You get a C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) infection primarily by ingesting the bacteria through the mouth, often after contact with contaminated surfaces or objects that have feces from an infected person. The bacteria can spread easily in environments like hospitals or care homes where contaminated surfaces such as toilet seats, table tops, beds, floors, or clothing can harbor the spores

. The main risk factor for developing a C. diff infection is recent or current use of antibiotics. Antibiotics can disrupt the normal balance of bacteria in your gut by killing beneficial bacteria, allowing C. diff to grow unchecked and produce toxins that damage the intestinal lining, causing symptoms like diarrhea and colitis

. Other risk factors include being over 65 years old, having a weakened immune system, staying in a hospital or care home for a long time, taking proton pump inhibitors that reduce stomach acid, and having had a previous C. diff infection

. In summary, you get C. diff by:

• Contacting surfaces or objects contaminated with C. diff spores from feces of an infected person
• Ingesting the spores orally, often via contaminated hands or food
• Having disrupted gut bacteria due to antibiotic use or other factors that reduce protective gut flora

Preventive measures include thorough hand washing, cleaning contaminated surfaces, and cautious use of antibiotics to reduce risk