Is it true that hand washing is the best way to prevent infections?

Hand washing is widely recognized as one of the most effective methods for preventing the spread of infections. This practice is essential because it physically removes dirt, bacteria, viruses, and other pathogens from the skin, reducing the likelihood of transferring these germs to oneself or others. Proper hand hygiene, which includes washing hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, is particularly important in healthcare settings, but its benefits extend to everyday life.

The effectiveness of hand washing in preventing infections is supported by extensive research, which has shown that proper hygiene practices can significantly decrease the incidence of infectious diseases. This is why many health organizations, including the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO), promote hand washing as a vital public health measure. Given this strong foundation in public health recommendations and research, the assertion that hand washing is the best way to prevent infections is indeed true.