A C. difficile infection is a bacterial infection that affects the colon. People most at risk include older adults (especially those over age 65), people with weakened immune systems, and people who are taking antibiotics for other illnesses. Finding the infection early and starting treatment quickly is important to prevent serious problems.
At Stony Brook University Hospital, our infectious disease team works day and night to lower the risk of C. difficile infections and protect patient safety. Our team reviews each patient’s condition every day to identify anyone who may be at risk or showing symptoms. These symptoms can include watery diarrhea, fever, stomach pain or cramping, nausea, and loss of appetite.
Our team follows patient safety best practices from the Institute for Healthcare Improvement (IHI) and Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). They understand that quick testing and treatment are key. Our nurses and medical staff follow good hand hygiene, careful antibiotic use, and proper cleaning of surfaces to help prevent infection and stop it from spreading.
By closely monitoring testing and treatment, we help ensure that patient safety always comes first.
