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Is Clostridium Difficile Infection A Contagious Disease?

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Posted on Mon, 15 May 2017
Question: My husband has c-diff which keeps coming back. Right now he is on vancomycin. My question is about my adult son who is special needs. He lives in a group home and on Monday a nurse practitioner gave my son an antibiotic "as a precaution" because someone else in the group home has a fever. My son finishes the antibiotic today (Friday). My son usually comes home for the weekend . Now I am afraid to bring him home because he might get c-diff from my husband. How long should my son be off the anti biotic before he can come home?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (1 hour later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! I have been through your question.

You should know that C. difficile bacteria are found throughout the environment in soil, air, water, human and animal feces, and food products, such as processed meats. A small number of healthy people naturally carry the bacteria in their large intestine and don't have ill effects from the infection.

Usually, spores from C. difficile bacteria are passed in feces and spread to food, surfaces, and objects when people who are infected don't wash their hands thoroughly. These spores can persist in a room for weeks or months. If you touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile spores, you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria.

Although people, including children with no known risk factors, have gotten sick from C. difficile, and certain factors increase this risk.

Currently taking or having recently taken antibiotics like your child, is one of the risk factor.

But taking vancomycin and stopping of diarrhea makes the spread of Clostridium difficile to others much less likely.

So, I think that your son can come at home. But in this situation, to prevent the spread of infection, I'd suggest that your husband and as well you and your son should wash hands often and clean surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens regularly with household detergents/disinfectants.

Furthermore, your son should start probiotics as soon as possible.

I hope my answer helps you.
Feel free to ask me further.
Regards.


Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Arnab Banerjee
doctor
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Follow up: Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (17 minutes later)
My special needs son is 51 years old

My special needs son is 51 years old. My husband got c-diff because he went to a rehab after being sick in the hospital and has been fighting it for 3 months.
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Monika Dede (17 hours later)
Brief Answer:
Please see the detailed answer below.

Detailed Answer:
Hello! Thank you writing back in healthcaremagic.

I am sorry for the misunderstanding.
But even in this age of your son I suggest the same advices.

I hope my answer helps you.
I wish your husband a quick recovery.
Regards.
Note: For more detailed guidance, please consult an Internal Medicine Specialist, with your latest reports. Click here..

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Kampana
doctor
Answered by
Dr.
Dr. Dr. Monika Dede

Infectious Diseases Specialist

Practicing since :2003

Answered : 1005 Questions

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Is Clostridium Difficile Infection A Contagious Disease?

Brief Answer: Please see the detailed answer below. Detailed Answer: Hello! I have been through your question. You should know that C. difficile bacteria are found throughout the environment in soil, air, water, human and animal feces, and food products, such as processed meats. A small number of healthy people naturally carry the bacteria in their large intestine and don't have ill effects from the infection. Usually, spores from C. difficile bacteria are passed in feces and spread to food, surfaces, and objects when people who are infected don't wash their hands thoroughly. These spores can persist in a room for weeks or months. If you touch a surface contaminated with C. difficile spores, you may then unknowingly swallow the bacteria. Although people, including children with no known risk factors, have gotten sick from C. difficile, and certain factors increase this risk. Currently taking or having recently taken antibiotics like your child, is one of the risk factor. But taking vancomycin and stopping of diarrhea makes the spread of Clostridium difficile to others much less likely. So, I think that your son can come at home. But in this situation, to prevent the spread of infection, I'd suggest that your husband and as well you and your son should wash hands often and clean surfaces in bathrooms and kitchens regularly with household detergents/disinfectants. Furthermore, your son should start probiotics as soon as possible. I hope my answer helps you. Feel free to ask me further. Regards.