Clostridium difficile, or C. diff for short, is a bacterium that can cause severe diarrhea, abdominal pain, and dehydration. In severe cases, it can lead to kidney failure and be fatal. If you or someone you know has been diagnosed with C. diff, it’s important to learn as much as possible about the condition and how to best treat it. And hospital staff and other healthcare providers should always be aware of how to prevent, detect and treat a C. diff infection.

In this blog post, we will discuss everything you need to know about C. diff: what causes it, how to recognize the symptoms, and most importantly, how to fight it! We will also introduce Hydrolyte® – an effective solution against C. diff – and tell you how you can get your hands on some yourself.

What Is C. Diff and How Do You Get It?

C. diff, is a bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and other digestive problems. The bacteria are found in the environment, particularly in hospitals and nursing homes, and can be passed from person to person through contact with contaminated surfaces or by sharing infected food or utensils.

C. diff is most often seen in people who have taken antibiotics, as these medications can kill off good bacteria in the gut and allow C. diff to flourish. Symptoms of C. diff include watery diarrhea, abdominal pain, fever, and loss of appetite. In severe cases, the bacteria can cause life-threatening dehydration and intestinal damage.

What Are The Most Common Risk Factors Of Getting C. Diff?

Although anyone can get C. diff, most cases occur after taking antibiotics or being in close proximity to someone who is taking them. Other risk factors include being 65 or older, staying in a hospital or nursing home, having a weakened immune system, or have had a previous infection with C. diff. By understanding these risk factors, you can help to prevent the spread of this potentially dangerous infection.

How Is C. Diff Treated and What Are the Side Effects of Treatment?

The most common treatment for C. diff is antibiotics, which can help stop the infection and reduce symptoms. Unfortunately, sometimes antibiotics may not be enough to completely eradicate C. diff and the symptoms can persist or even worsen after treatment. Side effects of antibiotic treatment for C. diff include nausea, vomiting, abdominal pain, and headaches. Other treatments for C. diff, such as probiotics and fecal microbiota transplants (FMT), are also available.

How Can C. Diff Infection Be Prevented in the First Place?

Although it is usually not life-threatening, C. diff can be very uncomfortable and may even lead to hospitalization. The good news is that there are several things you can do to prevent C. diff infection.

First, practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands regularly with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer. Secondly, clean all surfaces that might be contaminated with C. diff, such as door knobs, light switches, and countertops. And if you are taking antibiotics, be sure to take them exactly as prescribed and finish the entire course of treatment. Taking these simple precautions can go a long way in preventing C. diff infection.

But possibly the most effective solution for C. diff prevention is a new and revolutionary product, Hydrolyte®. Through the process of electrochemical activation, Hydrolyte® is able to generate a powerful antimicrobial solution that is proven to effectively kill the clostridium difficile bacterium (C diff) among other dangerous microorganisms. The best part? Hydrolyte® is also safe to use around the home due to it being low-toxicity. It’s a real game changer for hospital sanitizing.

Hydrolyte® is one of only 63 registered disinfectants on List K for C. diff, meaning it is approved by the EPA for use against this dangerous bacteria. Hydrolyte® has been extensively tested in the laboratory and is also proven to be an effective solution against other dangerous microorganisms (including SARS CoV2), making it a great choice for anyone looking to prevent or treat C. diff infections.

Conclusion

C. diff is a potentially dangerous infection, but with the right preventative practices and treatment options, it can be contained and managed effectively. Hydrolyte® is an effective solution for fighting C. diff, as well as other microorganisms, in both professional and home settings due to its low-toxicity and proven efficacy against dangerous bacteria.

You can learn more about Hydrolyte® here. And when you’re ready to take the next step, get in touch with the 21st Century Healthcare team today for a customized price! Hospital sanitizing has never been more effective.