What is considered the best way to prevent the spread of infection?

Washing your hands is considered the best way to prevent the spread of infection because it physically removes dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from your hands. When performed correctly and for an adequate duration, handwashing can significantly reduce the presence of infectious agents. This practice is especially critical in healthcare settings where the risk of transmitting infections is higher due to close patient interactions and potential exposure to bodily fluids.

While wearing gloves, using hand sanitizer, and disinfecting surfaces are important practices in infection control, they are often considered supplementary to handwashing. Gloves can provide a barrier but may give a false sense of security if not used properly or changed frequently. Hand sanitizers, while effective against many pathogens, do not eliminate all types of bacteria and viruses, especially when hands are visibly soiled. Disinfecting surfaces is crucial in controlling environmental transmission but does not directly address the spread of pathogens from person to person through hand contact. Hence, effective handwashing remains the cornerstone of hygiene practices in preventing infection.