What it is
Its spores spread easily on hands and surfaces and are not killed by alcohol hand gel, so washing hands with soap and water is important.
It is treated with specific antibiotics. It can come back, and repeated infections may be treated with a faecal transplant.
Common signs
- Watery diarrhoea three or more times a day
- Tummy cramps
- Fever
- Loss of appetite and feeling sick
How it is usually diagnosed
- A stool sample tested for the bacteria and its toxin
Records worth keeping
Keeping these together makes each appointment easier, especially when you see a new doctor:
- Stool test results
- A list of recent antibiotics
- Treatment given and any recurrences
Questions to ask your doctor
- Which antibiotics led to this, and should I avoid them in future?
- How do I stop it spreading at home?
- What should I do if it comes back?
When to get help right away
Call 112 or go to the nearest emergency department if you have:
- Severe tummy pain or swelling, blood in the stool, or signs of dehydration such as dizziness and peeing very little: get urgent help
This page is general information. It is not a diagnosis and does not replace a doctor who knows your history. Medfold keeps your records organised; it does not interpret them.