Which action is most effective to prevent the spread of infections?

Practicing hand hygiene regularly is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of infections. Hands serve as primary vehicles for transmitting pathogens, whether through direct contact with contaminated surfaces or individuals. Regular handwashing, using soap and water or an alcohol-based hand sanitizer, significantly reduces the microbial load on hands and thereby diminishes the risk of transmitting infections to oneself and others.

While wearing masks, isolating infected patients, and using barriers during medical procedures are also crucial infection control practices, they often act as supplemental measures to hand hygiene. Masks primarily protect the respiratory system and help prevent droplet transmission, while isolation is essential for containing specific infections but relies on prior hand hygiene for healthcare workers when interacting with infected patients. Barriers, like gloves and gowns, are effective during procedures but do not replace the need for thorough hand hygiene before and after contact.

In summary, while all options are important components of an infection control strategy, hand hygiene stands out as the foundational practice that supports and enhances the effectiveness of other preventive measures.