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Understanding C. Diff

  • 3 minute read.
  • Last Updated: 7/31/2026
A person wearing an orange cardigan and white pants is sitting on a couch, holding their stomach with both hands as if experiencing pain or discomfort. There are yellow pillows and a dog in the background.

Stomach issues happen to everyone from time to time. But when diarrhea is severe, lasts more than a day or is accompanied by stomach pain, it may be a sign of something more serious. 

One possible cause is Clostridioides difficile (C. diff), a bacterial infection that affects the digestive system. C. diff often develops after antibiotic use and can quickly become serious if left untreated. The good news is that with prompt diagnosis and the right treatment, most people recover successfully. 

“Getting help early can make a big difference,” says Ariel Shults, infection preventionist at Covenant Health LeConte. “We want patients to feel confident they can come in, ask questions, and leave with clear answers.” 

What Is C. diff? 

C. diff is a bacterium that lives in the gut. It can cause diarrhea and swelling in the intestines. Many people get it after taking antibiotics. 

“Antibiotics can kill the good bacteria and the bad bacteria,” Shults explains. “That can leave your body defenseless and allow infections like C. diff to grow.” 

While hospitals monitor it closely, you can get C. diff outside of a hospital, especially if you’ve been on antibiotics or are caring for someone who is sick. 

Why It Matters 

C. diff is more than just an upset stomach. It can become serious quickly. 

In severe cases, patients may have frequent diarrhea, sometimes 10 to 15 times a day. This can lead to dehydration and dangerous shifts in the body. 

“The biggest immediate concern is dehydration,” says Shults. “When your body loses that much fluid, it can affect everything.” 

If not treated, it can become life-threatening. That’s why it’s important to pay attention to your symptoms. 

Signs You Should Not Ignore 

It’s not always easy to tell the difference between a short-term illness and something more serious. But you should seek care if you have: 

  • Diarrhea that lasts more than a day or is severe 
  • Signs of dehydration, like weakness or dizziness 
  • Ongoing stomach pain 

Pay extra attention to symptoms if you have a recent history of antibiotic use 

“If there’s a question, come in and get checked,” Shults says. “We can run tests quickly and get you answers within hours.” 

Treatment and Recovery 

At Covenant Health, testing is fast and simple. Providers can confirm C. diff quickly and start treatment right away. 

Treatment often includes a specific course of antibiotics designed to target the infection. 

“It usually takes about 10 days of treatment,” says Shults. “Even if you start feeling better, it’s important to take all of your medication.” 

Simple Ways to Protect Yourself 

Prevention is key and small habits make a big difference. 

  • Wash your hands often. Hand sanitizer does not kill C. diff. Soap and water are essential. 
  • Use antibiotics wisely. Not every illness needs antibiotics. Only take them as directed with a current prescription from your physician.  
  • Keep surfaces clean. C. diff can live on surfaces. Bleach-based cleaning products are needed to kill it. 

Care You Can Trust, Right Here at Home 

At Covenant Health, our clinics, urgent care centers and hospitals work together to provide fast, expert care close to home. 

“We’re here to help people feel better and stay healthy,” says Shults. “Patients can trust us to give them the right care at the right time.” 

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