LymeNet Flash: Best way to protect from C Difficile while in the hospital?

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»	LymeNet Flash » Questions and Discussion » Medical Questions » Best way to protect from C Difficile while in the hospital?

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Topic: Best way to protect from C Difficile while in the hospital?

dontlikeliver
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 4749

posted

My dad's in the hospital and I have to fly out there. Looks like I'll be spending all of the next few days sitting in a hospital. (he's got pneumonia and is on IV abx and steroids).

Feeling kind of weak myself and unwell and being on two abx.......... I'm petrified of picking something up in the hospital like MRSA or C Diff as I feel my immunity's kind of low right now (also due to stress).

How can I safeguard myself, or can't I? I know alcohol gel doesn't work against C Diff. Is regular hand-washing sufficient?

I know these questions all seem rather stupid, but want to take any precautions I can besides the obvious. If there are any others.......

Posts: 2824 | From The Back of Beyond | Registered: Oct 2003 | IP: Logged |

Truthfinder
Frequent Contributor (1K+ posts)
Member # 8512

posted

DLL,

Sorry about your upcoming trip..... [Frown]

I hope things turn around on that front....

I just got some Saccharaomyces boulardii probiotic - I read here on the board that it is probably some of the best protection against C. diff. out there..... just took my first pill last night.

Do a search here for S. boulardii - there have been a few discussion about it...

There are a couple of different brands at VitaCost - I got the Jarrow Formulas one.... I can't remember if there are some recommended brands out there....

Also, the freeze-dried garlic is another good option and something pretty easy to carry with you on a trip.

And you are right - wash your hands a lot and keep them away from your nose, mouth, eyes, etc.

It's spooky out there, isn't it?

--------------------
Tracy
.... Prayers for the Lyme Community - every day at 6 p.m. Pacific Time and 9 p.m. Eastern Time � just take a few moments to say a prayer wherever you are�.

Posts: 2966 | From Colorado | Registered: Dec 2005 | IP: Logged |

sammy
Frequent Contributor (5K+ posts)
Member # 13952

posted

Best way to prevent C.diff is to wash your hands. The soap lubricates then good scrubbing friction knocks the buggers off. Antibacterial products don't kill C.diff. Also don't touch anything unless you really have to. And don't ever touch your face or mouth.

Patients in the hospital that are infected with C.diff will be in contact isolation. Meaning that they will not have a roommate unless also infected and their door must be kept closed at all times. There will be a sign on the door informing other of the isolation precautions. An instrument cart is kept outside, staff must leave their personal equipment outside of the room and only use the special equipment set aside for that infected individual. Staff must also use protective gowns and gloves at all times when entering the room, mask for procedures. Hand washing is a must but that is a universal precaution.

These precautions are to protect you the visitor, staff and uninfected patients. Nurses don't want C.diff, they will wash their hands. Follow their example.

Posts: 5237 | From here | Registered: Nov 2007 | IP: Logged |

daise
Unregistered

posted

Hi dontlikeliver,

I'm sorry your Dad isn't doing well.

I don't know how to answer your question, except that washing your hands is good.

But that dang c. diff falls on counters and it's in the air we breathe. What's in a hospital is a superbug.

If it were me ... I'd take a slug of probiotics ahead of time, hoping that my gut can get rid of any c. diff. with the high dosage of probiotics.

And boulardii, too.

And plenty of water so the 'ol colon can do it's thing.

daise [Smile]

[ 29. February 2008, 08:43 PM: Message edited by: daise ]

IP: Logged |

bettyg
Unregistered

posted

dll,

so sorry to read about your dad in hospital! glad you're thinking ahead to PROTECT YOURSELF to maximum. best wishes to you/dad! [Wink]

tonight's Des Moines, Iowa news showed Iowa's lost 20 kids age 4 and UNDER DUE TO FLU AND MRSA!! [Mad]

IP: Logged |

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