C. diff (Clostridioides difficile) is a bacterium that causes diarrhea and colitis (an inflammation of the colon) . It is estimated to cause almost half a million infections in the United States each year, and it can be life-threatening. C. diff can affect anyone, but most cases occur when you’ve been taking antibiotics or not long after you’ve finished taking antibiotics. Other risk factors include being 65 or older, recent stay at a hospital or nursing home, a weakened immune system, previous infection with C. diff, or known exposure to the germs.

C. diff infection causes diarrhea, which can range from mild to severe, and in rare cases, can lead to serious complications. The symptoms of C. diff infections include diarrhea, fever, stomach tenderness or pain, loss of appetite, and nausea. Severe diarrhea causes you to lose a lot of fluids, which can put you at risk for dehydration.

C. diff is commonly found in the environment, but people usually only get C. diff infections when they are taking antibiotics. Thats because antibiotics not only wipe out bad germs, but they also kill the good germs that protect your body against infections. The effect of antibiotics can last as long as several months. If you come in contact with C. diff germs during this time, you can get sick.

C. diff can be treated with antibiotics, but it can be difficult to treat and may require multiple rounds of antibiotics. To help prevent the spread of C. diff, hospitals and other healthcare settings follow strict rules to control infections.