- Opioids may increase the chance of getting C. diff.
- C. diff is a very contagious gut bacterium.
- It infects the colon and causes severe diarrhea.
- People often have nausea, cramps and vomiting too.
- It can spread easily between people in close contact.
- Some infections are severe and can be deadly.
- Older or sick people have a higher risk.
- Doctors should weigh the benefits and the harms.
- Decisions about opioids must be made case by case.
- Hospitalized patients may have a greater chance of infection.
Difficult words
- opioid — a strong pain medicine from a drug groupOpioids
- contagious — can spread from one person to another
- bacterium — a single very small living germ
- colon — the part of the body that stores waste
- diarrhea — very loose and wet bowel movements
- infection — when germs get into the body and growinfections
- weigh — to think carefully about good and bad
Tip: hover, focus or tap highlighted words in the article to see quick definitions while you read or listen.
Discussion questions
- Have you ever had diarrhea or vomiting?
- Do you wash your hands to stop germs?
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