What is the most effective way to stop the spread of infectious diseases?

Good hand washing is the most effective way to stop the spread of infectious diseases because it directly removes pathogens from the skin before they can be transmitted to others. Thorough hand hygiene, which includes washing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds or using hand sanitizer with at least 60% alcohol, effectively breaks the chain of infection by ensuring that any contaminants picked up during patient care or daily activities are eliminated.

While avoiding bodily fluids, using gloves for all patients, and wearing face shields can all contribute to infection control, none are as universally effective as hand washing. Avoiding bodily fluids can be situation-dependent and not always practical in a medical setting. Although gloves offer protection for healthcare workers and patients, they can still become contaminated and do not substitute for the need for hand hygiene. Face shields may protect against respiratory droplets in certain situations, but they do not protect against the transmission of pathogens through direct contact without proper hand hygiene practices. Thus, maintaining good hand washing habits is fundamental in preventing the spread of infectious diseases across all healthcare environments.