From the Desk of Beth Battaglino, RN, CEO, HealthyWomen

C. diff an infection is often acquired and may be lethal. The easiest way to guard your self and your family members is with data. Nicely truly, one of the best ways is correct hand washing with cleaning soap and heat water (alcohol-based hand sanitizers gained’t do the trick!) — however data is step one to preventing C. diff an infection.

After we say C. diff, we’re speaking about Clostridioides difficile, a micro organism that may trigger colitis, an irritation of the colon, which triggers signs like extreme abdomen ache, nausea and diarrhea that final greater than three days. This isn’t your typical abdomen bug, although — it may be life-threatening, generally resulting in hospitalization and even loss of life.

As a nurse, I do know far too effectively how critical C. diff infections may be. There are almost half 1,000,000 instances and as many as 30,000 deaths reported every year, placing C. diff within the class of infections thought-about pressing public well being threats by the Facilities for Illness Management and Prevention. And, when you’ve gotten one C. diff an infection, your odds of getting one other go up every time you get it, making a recurrent C. diff an infection cycle.

I do know, girls, we have already got a lot to juggle in our lives and we actually don’t want yet another factor to handle. However girls are an enormous think about stopping the unfold of C. diff, not solely as a result of we’re extra inclined to getting it however as a result of we’re additionally typically the healthcare decision-makers and enforcers in our households.

So, it’s price just some minutes of your time to study C. diff and the way to defend your self and family members in opposition to recurring infections.

Learn: What Is C. diff? What You Have to Know About This Lethal An infection >>

And keep in mind, if in case you have signs like extreme stomach ache or cramping, a brand new fever, three or extra watery stools a day, or blood in your stool, don’t ignore them and make contact with your healthcare supplier.

In good well being,
Beth Battaglino

This instructional useful resource was created with help from Ferring Prescribed drugs USA.