Which of the following is a key principle of infection control?

Regular hand washing is a fundamental aspect of infection control and is one of the most effective ways to prevent the spread of infections. It involves washing hands with soap and water or using a hand sanitizer when soap and water are unavailable. This practice eliminates pathogens that can be transmitted from one person to another, particularly in healthcare settings where the risk of infection is higher.

Hand hygiene should be performed before and after patient contact, after removing gloves, and after using the restroom, among other critical moments. It effectively disrupts the transmission cycle of infectious agents, protecting both the caregiver and the patients.

In contrast, close contact with patients, while sometimes necessary for providing care, increases the risk of infection spread without proper protective measures, such as hand hygiene. Frequent glove changes are also important, but accurate hand washing is necessary to maintain overall hygiene. Avoiding the use of alcohol can also be detrimental, as alcohol-based hand sanitizers are effective in reducing microbial load on hands when soap and water aren't an option. Therefore, emphasizing regular hand washing encapsulates a vital principle of infection control in caregiving practices.