Children & C. diff

C. diff is more common and more serious in older adults, but children can get it too. About 20,000 children in the U.S. get C. diff infections every year.

Children are more likely to pick up C. diff outside of the hospital, in the community, even if they haven’t taken antibiotics or other medications. It’s also more common in children who have bowel diseases or other digestive illnesses.

Symptoms of C. diff include diarrhea and abdominal pain or cramping. Mucus is often present in the stools. Severe cases can also cause fever, nausea, dehydration, bloody stools, and more. In children, caregivers might notice:

• Weight loss
• Mood changes or increased irritability
• Loss of appetite
• Loss of bowel control

My child has these symptoms. Is there a chance it’s not C. diff?

Yes. C. diff can live in a person’s gut without making them sick. This is known as asymptomatic colonization, and it means your child could get a false-positive test result. Babies are more likely to carry C. diff without having symptoms. Doctors recommend avoiding C. diff testing in children under 1 year old until other causes have been ruled out.

If your child’s symptoms continue even with treatment, or if they test negative for C. diff, contact your doctor to look into other causes of their symptoms.

How can I help my child?

Talk with your child’s doctor about all possible treatment options to find what may work best. You can support your child’s treatment by adjusting their diet to ease symptoms and support a healthier gut.

Having C. diff can be hard for anyone, including children. Your child may feel upset about missing school, activities, or time with friends, so they may need extra emotional support. Try to explain their illness in simple, honest terms. Reassure them about their treatment and keep their daily routine, such as doctor visits, medication times, and meals, consistent. Children can return to activities and school when the diarrhea has resolved.

How can I help myself?

As a caregiver, it’s important to take care of yourself so you can keep both you and your child safe and healthy. Wash your hands and clean bathroom and kitchen surfaces regularly–and make sure you’re taking care of your own mental health, not just your child’s.

Peer support is available for caregivers through PLF’s Peer Support Network. To connect with a trained volunteer who can help you through your child’s illness, visit cdiff.org/peer-support-network.

For more information about navigating pediatric C. diff, download our educational flyer below.