What is considered the number one method to stop the transmission of infection?

Hand hygiene is recognized as the most effective method to prevent the transmission of infections. This practice involves thoroughly washing hands with soap and water or using hand sanitizer containing at least 60% alcohol, particularly after contact with potential contaminants, such as bodily fluids, surfaces, or patients.

The reason hand hygiene is prioritized over other methods, like wearing gloves, masks, or isolating individuals, is that it directly removes or kills pathogens present on the hands, which are common vehicles for the spread of infections. In healthcare settings, maintaining clean hands significantly reduces the risk of healthcare-associated infections, which can be spread from one patient to another or from healthcare workers to patients. Proper hand hygiene is essential before and after patient interactions, after using the restroom, and before handling food, creating a barrier against the transmission of harmful microorganisms. Thus, emphasizing hand hygiene creates a foundational level of safety in infection control.