What can you do about hospital bugs that can kill?

Sunday, 24 May 2009 22:01

Older people who enter hospital and take antibiotics are at particular risk of C Difficile, a bacterium of the family Clostridium. This family also includes bacteria that cause gas gangrene, tetanus and botulism. C Difficile thrives in the large intestine where little oxygen is present.

It is important to understand that it is the good bacteria in the gut which protect against C Difficile and that any killing off of such friendly bacteria can set the scene for growth of C Difficile especially in older, often frail people who are greatly at risk. The result is distressing diarrhoea which can be fatal for older people who have no resistance especially those in hospitals or nursing homes.The illness is highly infectious and can spread from one patient to another or via healthcare staff through the excreted spores. Anyone who has been given antibiotics is at particular risk of C Difficile.

Conventional medical approaches to C Difficile are reduction of antibiotics given to patients, avoiding broad spectrum antibiotics as far as possible, diligent and regular handwashing for visitor, avoiding alcohol gel (which doesn't kill the spores) and just using soap and water. Visitors and medical staff should pay attention to the finger tips, thumbs and palms, vigorously rubbing hands together to prevent infection and scrubbing wrists, backs of hands, under finger nails, finally rinsing thoroughly and drying with a disposable towel. Gloves and aprons should be worn when emptying bed pans, etc.

When cleaning toilets and surfaces it is essential to use bleach to kill the infectious spores.

However, there is a good way to prevent and combat the disease and hopefully save the life of a dear elderly friend or relative. The answer is acidophilus capsules containing a range of live bacteria or probiotics which will enter the gut and start working right away. One elderly lady was cured and her suffering ceased after her daughter broke the powdered capsule contents and mixed it in a little live yoghurt.

The motto is "Be Prepared" if you have to go into hospital. Take with you some friendly probiotics such as live yoghurt and acidophilus capsules - and if you can, avoid antibiotics!

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