C diff questions

[Draper Mel]

My Dad was diagnosed with C diff earlier this week. I've got disinfecting wipes (CVS and Target brand) to wipe down surfaces and I borrowed the neighbors washer to wash the sheets from my parents bed in hot water. I used vinegar instead of bleach because they like colored sheets.

How long does it live on surfaces? And should I be concerned about getting it myself? Or does it usually hit people with depressed immune systems?

[BlaqueKatt]

How long does it live on surfaces? And should I be concerned about getting it myself? Or does it usually hit people with depressed immune systems?

chlorine bleach kills the spores which can live for months on surfaces, and it can infect anyone.

some info here from the CDC, medicine net, and the mayo clinic.

[TheSHAD0W]

I'd recommend taking some over-the-counter probiotic supplements, and giving some to your father as well. It won't interfere with his medication, and may help drive the clostridia out of his system.

[crazylegs]

The recommendations that we have at work is that to ensure as many organisms are killed as possible from uniforms is to wash at 60 degrees and to iron our uniform with as hot an iron as possible. There's certainly no need to use bleach or anything else

Proper handwashing techniques will dramatically reduce the risk of contracting the disease, http://www.who.int/gpsc/clean_hands_protection/en/ but don't bother with alcohol hand rub as it's not effective against c. diff spores, only certain hand rub products are - you're much better protected with decent handwashing. Make sure you use a decent hand cream as you should be washing your hands very often --> http://www.hha.org.au/home/5-moments...d-hygiene.aspx

Hope that helps a little

[Seshat]

I strongly recommend seeking the advice of a qualified pharmacist or nurse practitioner: both will have more time available to discuss this with you than most doctors have; and both should have the information you need.

That said, the CDC and the Mayo clinic websites (provided upthread) should also be reliable sources of information. I'd also add the World Health Organisation as a reliable source for medical information.