Stop C. difficile Infections

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Stop C. difficile Infections

[Announcer] This program is presented by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

C. difficile is a germ that causes diarrhea linked to 14,000 deaths in the US each year. People who get medical care and take antibiotics are most at risk for infection, especially older adults. Identifying C. difficileinfection early and stopping its spread can save lives.

Here are six steps for prevention in medical settings:

One - Prescribe antibiotics only when appropriate.

Two - Test for C. difficilewhen patients have diarrhea within several months of taking antibiotics.

Three - Isolate those who test positive.

Four – Since hand washing may not be sufficient and hand sanitizers don’t kill C. difficilespores, wear gloves and gowns when treating infected patients.

Five - Disinfect treatment areas with products approved to kill C. difficile; and

Six - When patients are transferred, notify the new facility of C. difficileinfection.

Learn more at www.cdc.gov/vitalsigns.

[Announcer] For the most accurate health information, visit www.cdc.gov or call 1-800-CDC-INFO.