What it means
Germs shed in stool can travel on unwashed hands, objects, food or water and then be swallowed. Infections spread this way include hepatitis A, norovirus, rotavirus, some kinds of E. coli and Salmonella, and C. difficile. It is a main reason for hand hygiene after using the toilet and before eating or preparing food.
For the nurse
Teach hand washing with soap and water after using the toilet or changing diapers. For clients with infectious diarrhea, use contact precautions as policy directs, and wash hands with soap and water rather than alcohol rub when C. difficile is suspected.
At a glance
| Also written | fecal-oral transmission, fecal-oral |
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Related terms
C. difficile
Clostridioides difficile, a spore-forming bacterium that can infect the colon (the large intestine).
diarrhea
Loose or watery stools, usually three or more times a day or more often than normal for the person.
precaution
A step taken ahead of time to prevent harm, such as the infection-control practices used with every client.
hand hygiene
Cleaning the hands with soap and water or an alcohol-based hand rub.