Our shoes protect our feet from the harsh ground while also keeping them clean and dry, but did you know that they could also be harboring a deadly microbe?.

What is it?

The microbe in question is called Clostridioides difficile, or C. difficile for short. It’s a type of bacteria that can cause severe diarrhea and inflammation of the colon, and in some cases, it can even be fatal. C.

difficile is usually found in hospitals and other healthcare settings, but it can also be found in the environment, including our shoes.

How does it get there?

difficile is spread through fecal matter, which means that if someone has the bacteria in their digestive system and doesn’t wash their hands properly after using the restroom, they could transfer the bacteria to surfaces they touch, including their shoes. Once on the shoes, the bacteria can survive for weeks or even months, waiting for the next person to come into contact with them.

Who is at risk?

C. difficile is most dangerous for people who are already sick or have weakened immune systems, such as the elderly and those with chronic illnesses. However, anyone can become infected with the bacteria if they come into contact with it.

How can you prevent it?

The best way to prevent the spread of C. difficile is to practice good hygiene habits, including washing your hands thoroughly with soap and water after using the restroom, and before and after meals.

You should also avoid touching your face, especially your mouth and nose, as this can transfer bacteria from your hands to your body. Additionally, it’s a good idea to clean your shoes regularly, especially if you work in healthcare or other environments where C. difficile is common.

How do you clean your shoes?

There are a few different ways to clean your shoes, depending on the type of shoe you have. For leather shoes, you can use a damp cloth and an alcohol-based cleaner to wipe them down.

For fabric shoes, you can machine wash them on a gentle cycle using hot water and detergent, but be sure to let them air dry. Another option is to use a UV-C light sanitizer, which can kill bacteria and viruses on surfaces, including your shoes.

What are the symptoms of C. difficile?

The symptoms of C. difficile can vary from mild to severe, and they usually develop within a few days of exposure to the bacteria. The most common symptom is diarrhea, which may be watery or bloody.

Other symptoms include fever, nausea, abdominal pain, and loss of appetite.

What should you do if you think you have C. difficile?

If you have diarrhea that lasts for more than a few days or are experiencing other symptoms of C. difficile, you should seek medical attention immediately.

Your doctor can run tests to confirm the diagnosis and prescribe antibiotics or other treatments to help manage your symptoms.

Conclusion

C. difficile is a dangerous bacteria that can be hiding in our shoes, waiting to strike. By practicing good hygiene habits and cleaning our shoes regularly, we can help prevent the spread of this deadly microbe. If you think you may have been exposed to C.

difficile or are experiencing symptoms, seek medical attention right away.