Information for patients
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What is Clostridium Difficile?
Clostridium difficile are bacteria (germs) which live in the intestine (gut) of some people without causing any problems. Sometimes they can cause diarrhoea especially when antibiotics have been taken.
What are the signs and symptoms of this infection?
Diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile is usually ‘explosive’ and very smelly. Other symptoms include abdominal (tummy) pain and a fever (high temperature). Some people can have worse symptoms than others. In some cases the infection is so severe it can be life-threatening. This is rare.
What will happen if my doctor or nurse thinks I may have this infection?
Diarrhoea caused by Clostridium difficile is usually ‘explosive’ and very smelly. Other symptoms include abdominal (tummy) pain and a fever (high temperature). Some people can have worse symptoms than others. In some cases the infection is so severe it can be life-threatening. This is rare.
How is it spread?
If your symptoms are severe, and your diarrhoea is explosive it is likely the bacteria causing your infection will contaminate (get onto) the things around you. This includes furniture and your clothing. If other people touch these things then they can pick up the infection.
Is there any treatment for this infection?
You will usually be prescribed a special antibiotic which should reduce your symptoms. Your doctor may decide to stop or change any other antibiotics or medications you are taking and will discuss this with you.
If your symptoms go away but then come back you may need further treatment and you would need to be isolated again if you are in hospital.
What can I do to help myself?
You must always wash your hands well, using soap and water, after using the toilet or commode. You may need extra drinks to replace those fluids lost through diarrhoea. Your doctor may advise you to drink probiotic drinks to improve the healthy bacteria in your gut.
How will I be looked after if I have Clostridium Difficule in hospital?
If you are in hospital you will most likely be isolated (cared for in a single room or Redi-room tent) or in a room with other patients who have the same infection. The door to this room will be kept closed to stop the spread of the infection.
Your nurse and ward domestic will carefully clean your room and any equipment they use. You can help them by putting your belongings in your locker and keeping your room tidy.
Your nurse will also need to put your used bedclothes in a plastic bag before taking them out of your room. For certain tasks, staff looking after you will need to wear a plastic apron and disposable gloves, they will also be washing their hands once they have taken these off.
If you have any concerns about the risk of cross infection or your care while you are in hospital you should discuss them with one of your doctors, nurses or the ward matron.
If you still have concerns you can ask to see the senior clinical matron for that area, or one of the infection prevention and control nurses.
You will need to be isolated until 2 days after your diarrhoea has stopped and you have passed a normal stool. This is to make sure you are no longer infectious.
Will this infection affect my discharge from hospital?
Your doctor may decide you are well enough to go home even though you still have some diarrhoea. If this happens your GP will be informed so that your care and treatment can be continued at home. If you live in a nursing or residential home hospital staff will advise that you do not return there until you have been without diarrhoea for 2 days and passed normal stools.
What if I am at home and have Clostridium Difficile?
You must always wash your hands using soap and water after using the toilet or commode. It is important that you keep your toilet clean using bleach and wash your clothes and bedding at the highest temperature allowed. Your GP will advise you on treatment.
If I have Clostridium Difficile infection can I still have visitors?
It is safe for healthy visitors to come to see you but they must wash their hands well, with soap and water before and after visiting. If you are in hospital they will be advised to wear an apron and gloves when visiting. If any visitors are not well they should stay away until your infection has cleared.
Contacts numbers
If you have any worries or concerns you should contact your GP during normal surgery hours. Outside surgery hours, you should contact your GP surgery for the Out of Hours Service number.
North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust
Infection Prevention and Control Team
Monday to Friday
08:30am-04:30pm
Telephone: 01642 383280
Further information is available from
NHS Choices
Calls to this number are free from landlines and mobile phones
When it is less urgent than 999 call 111
Website: www.nhs.uk
Public Health England
Telephone: 0300 303 8596
Out of Hours: 0191 269 7714
Website: https://www.gov.uk/government/organisations/uk-health-security-agency
Information used in the development of this leaflet
Department of Health and Health Protection (2008) Clostridium difficile infection: How to deal with the problem.
Health Protection Agency (2009) Clostridium Difficile Fact Sheet
Comments, concerns, compliments or complaints
Patient Experience Team (PET)
We are continually trying to improve the services we provide. We want to know what we’re doing well or if there’s anything which we can improve, that’s why the Patient Experience Team (PET) is here to help. Our Patient Experience Team is here to try to resolve your concerns as quickly as possible. The office is based on the ground floor at the University Hospital of North Tees if you wish to discuss concerns in person. If you would like to contact or request a copy of our PET leaflet, please contact:
Telephone: 01642 624719
Freephone: 0800 092 0084
Opening hours: Monday to Friday, 9:30am to 4:00pm
Email: [email protected]
Out of hours
Out of hours if you wish to speak to a senior member of Trust staff, please contact the hospital switchboard who will bleep the appropriate person.
Telephone: 01642 617617
Data protection and use of patient information
The Trust has developed Data Protection policies in accordance with Data Protection Legislation (UK General Data Protection Regulations and Data Protection Act 2018) and the Freedom of Information Act 2000. All of our staff respect these policies and confidentiality is adhered to at all times. If you require further information on how we process your information please see our Privacy Notices.
Telephone: 01642 383551
Email: [email protected]
Privacy NoticesLeaflet feedback
This leaflet has been produced in partnership with patients and carers. All patient leaflets are regularly reviewed, and any suggestions you have as to how it may be improved are extremely valuable. Please write to the Clinical Governance team, North Tees and Hartlepool NHS Foundation Trust, University Hospital of North Tees, TS19 8PE or:
Email: [email protected]
Leaflet Reference: PIL1099
Due for review: 10/05/2026