What is the primary method for stopping the transmission of germs to patients?

Hand hygiene is recognized as the most effective method for preventing the transmission of germs to patients. This practice involves thoroughly cleaning hands with soap and water or using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to eliminate pathogens that can cause infections. Proper hand hygiene is crucial in healthcare settings, as healthcare workers often move between patients and different environments, where they may come in contact with various infectious agents.

By ensuring that hands are clean before and after patient contact, the risk of transferring harmful germs from one person to another is significantly reduced. This practice is emphasized in infection control protocols to protect both patients and healthcare workers. Effective hand hygiene is simple, yet it has a profound impact on public health and patient safety, making it a cornerstone of infection prevention strategies in any healthcare environment.