C-DIFF.. anyway to avoid it??

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Hi. I have heard that C-DIFF is all around in hospitals. What is the best way to protect yourself from it and how can you avoid it?? I have an immunocompromised GI tract and have to aviod diseases that affect the GI system.

Any advice?? thanks!

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Specializes in Emergency & Trauma/Adult ICU.

Same as always: universal precautions when appropriate, and ... wash your hands, wash your hands, wash your hands. :)

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Specializes in Medical/Surgical, L&D, Postpartum.

the only way to avoid it is universal precautions, also, you must vigorously wash your hands because the antimicrobial foam does not kill it!

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Specializes in Med-Surg.

The probiodics in yogurt can help too, as it helps to overcrowd the c diff toxin. Normal people have enough normal flora to fight off c diff, it's usually when someone is immunocompromised or on antibiodics that need to worry though.

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Specializes in Neuro ICU, Neuro/Trauma stepdown.

yogurt and soap, no foam!

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Get to know your sink and soap dispenser reeeeeeeeally well!

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Specializes in ICU, Research, Corrections.
Hi. I have heard that C-DIFF is all around in hospitals. What is the best way to protect yourself from it and how can you avoid it?? I have an immunocompromised GI tract and have to aviod diseases that affect the GI system.

Any advice?? thanks!

My advice from an immunocomprimised nurse is wash your hands OFTEN, get some good quality moisturizing cream and wear it when you sleep with cotton gloves on (you are going to really tear up your hands.) NEVER NEVER NEVER touch your face or hair at work. :nono: Triple wash your hands before eating anything.

C-diff is spread by spores that are impossible to kill. Nothing kills them. I work in MICU and have worked with tons of pts with C-Diff, MRSA, and almost anything you can think of and have never become sick from exposure. The only pt I will refuse to take is active TB or r/o TB...I wouldn't actually refuse - but I would try to take a different assignment.

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ditto with all of the above. wanted to add that when in direct close contact with patient, ie changing pt., please gown up too. handwashing according to universal precautions, before,between procedures and after pt. care is the number one way to prevent infection. i've seen nurses sneeze and use their sleeve to cover their mouths after caring for the pt.

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Specializes in Nephrology, Cardiology, ER, ICU.

Handwashing and universal precautions are the way to steer clear of ALL bugs.

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thank you everyone!! you have been most helpful and kind. i thank you very much!!!

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[color=#a0522d]best to all!! epona

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:kiss

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