K.N.O.W. Home Health - CANDIDIASIS AURIS

CANDIDIASIS AURIS

What is Candida auris?

Candida auris (C. auris) is a type of fungus that can cause serious infections. It is hard to kill and can spread easily, especially in hospitals and nursing homes. It may infect the blood, wounds, ears, or other body parts. Some people carry it on their skin without feeling sick, but they can still pass it to others.

What Causes Candida auris?

C. auris infections happen when:

You have a weak immune system
You’ve been in the hospital or nursing home for a long time
You’ve had surgery or medical tubes (like IVs, catheters, or breathing machines)
You’ve used antibiotics or antifungal medicines for a long time
You have serious health conditions like diabetes or cancer

How is Candida auris Treated?

Doctors use strong antifungal medicines, but some types of C. auris are resistant, which means not all medicines work.
Your doctor may test the fungus to see which medicine is best.
You may need to stay in the hospital for treatment.

Risks of Candida auris

Blood infections, which can be life-threatening
Sepsis (a body-wide infection)
Organ failure
Spreading to other people, especially in hospitals
Death, especially in people who are already very sick

Special Precautions

People with C. auris may be placed in isolation rooms in the hospital
Doctors and nurses wear gloves and gowns to stop the spread
Wash your hands with soap and water or hand sanitizer often
Clean and disinfect all surfaces, especially shared equipment or bathrooms
Family and visitors should follow infection control rules

Special Diet Considerations

There is no special diet just for C. auris
If you have other health conditions (like diabetes), follow your regular dietary plan
Stay hydrated and eat healthy foods to help your body heal

Other Special Considerations

Follow all instructions from your home health nurse or doctor
Take all medicines exactly as prescribed
Avoid touching wounds or medical lines unless you are told it is safe
Tell your doctor if you feel worse or notice new symptoms
Clean hands after using the bathroom or touching medical equipment
Keep your environment clean

When to Call Your Home Health Nurse or Doctor

Call if you have:

A new or worsening fever
Pain, swelling, or pus from a wound
Weakness or tiredness that is worse than usual
Redness or swelling around a medical tube or device
Side effects from your medicine
A family member or roommate who gets sick with the same symptoms

When to Call 911 or Go to the Emergency Room

Go to the ER or call 911 if you:

Have a high fever with chills and shaking
Feel confused, dizzy, or pass out
Have trouble breathing
Have chest pain or a racing heartbeat
Cannot wake up or respond normally

PATIENT HOMEWORK/ASSESSMENT

True or False: Candida auris is a virus that causes a cold.
True or False: Candida auris is a fungus that can make people very sick.
True or False: You can carry C. auris without feeling sick.
True or False: C. auris spreads easily in hospitals and nursing homes.
True or False: Doctors treat C. auris with antifungal medicines.
True or False: Some C. auris infections don’t respond to usual medicines.
True or False: Washing hands is one of the best ways to stop the spread of C. auris.
True or False: You should avoid cleaning surfaces if you have C. auris.
True or False: People with weak immune systems are more at risk for C. auris.
True or False: There is a special diet just for people with C. auris.
True or False: Taking your medicine exactly as told can help fight the infection.
True or False: You should not tell your doctor if you feel worse during treatment.
True or False: Hospital staff may wear gowns and gloves to prevent the spread of C. auris.
True or False: If you have a high fever and feel very sick, you should go to the emergency room.
True or False: C. auris can live on your skin and on things like bed rails and door handles.
True or False: Staying clean and keeping your room clean can help protect others.
True or False: Only old people get Candida auris.
True or False: You should call your home health nurse if you have new swelling or pus.
True or False: Visitors should follow infection control rules if you have C. auris.
True or False: You don’t have to finish your medicine if you start to feel better.

ASSESSMENT of WELL-BEING INDIVIDUALIZED PATIENT HOMEWORK

Symptom Identification:
“Have you noticed any new or worsening symptoms, such as fever, chills, or pain at the site of infection, and when do these usually occur?”
Activity Impact / Safety:
“How has this infection affected your ability to move around safely, take care of yourself, or do your normal daily activities?”
Treatment Adherence:
“Are you able to take your antifungal medications exactly as prescribed, and have you experienced any side effects or challenges with the treatment?”
Preventive Measures:
“What steps are you taking to reduce the risk of spreading the infection, such as hand hygiene, avoiding contact with shared items, or following infection-control instructions from your care team?”