Medically reviewed by Maria Vazquez Roque, M.D.
Stomach viruses often come and go quickly, but C. diff is a different kind of stomach bug. It’s a bacterial infection that impacts the digestive system in unique ways. C.diff can be challenging because it may not go away even after symptoms have disappeared. In some cases, up to 1 in 4 people experience a recurrence after treatment and the infection also causes 15,000 to 30,000 deaths per year.
We spoke with Maria Vazquez Roque, M.D., a gastroenterologist at the Mayo Clinic, to learn more about recognizing and treating this serious intestinal infection.
How is C. diff contracted? Is it airborne? Contagious?
C. diff is contagious but not airborne. It spreads through the fecal/oral method, often on unwashed hands or surfaces. Condensed instances of infection can be found on door handles or bed rails.
What are the main symptoms of C. diff?
C. diff attacks the colon, leading to symptoms like fever, chills, abdominal pain, nausea, diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration.
How do you prevent C. diff while taking an antibiotic?
There is no certain solution, but using a probiotic while taking an antibiotic can potentially reduce the risk. To prevent flare-ups, good antibiotic stewardship is important by taking them as prescribed and for the shortest duration and narrow spectrum possible.
This educational resource was created with support from Seres Therapeutics and Nestle Health Science.
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