C. diff Awareness Month
Clostridioides difficile (C. diff) is a germ that causes diarrhea and inflammation of the colon. It is estimated to impact almost half a million people in the United States each year, and an estimated 29,300 deaths. During the month of November, Med Center Health is teaming up with the CDC and healthcare providers across the nation to raise awareness of C. diff.
C. diff is passed from person to person by contact. The best way to prevent spread and protect yourself is to wash your hands with soap and water after using the bathroom and before you eat.
Outside of the body, C. diff germs become spores. This is an inactive form of the germ and has a protective coating so it can live for months or even years on surfaces and in the soil. A healthy person often does not become infected even if the spores reach their intestines. But if someone’s immune system is weak or they’ve recently taken antibiotics, they can get sick.
Learn more about C. diff at cdc.gov.
