What is the best form of infection control?

Hand washing is considered the best form of infection control because it effectively removes dirt, pathogens, and viruses from the hands, significantly reducing the risk of transmission. The act of washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds allows for thorough cleansing, targeting areas that are often neglected, such as under the nails and between fingers. This practice is supported by numerous health organizations, which emphasize that proper hand hygiene is the most effective way to prevent the spread of infections, particularly in settings involving young children, where illness can spread rapidly.

Although using hand sanitizer is beneficial in situations where soap and water are unavailable, it may not eliminate all types of germs and is less effective when hands are visibly dirty or greasy. Wearing gloves offers a protective barrier but does not substitute for hand hygiene; germs can still be transferred from gloves to surfaces if proper procedures are not followed. Isolating sick children is important for preventing the spread of infection, but it does not eliminate the risk of transmission among healthy children. Thus, hand washing stands out as the foremost strategy for infection control in early childhood settings.