What is a key practice in preventing childhood infections?

Hand washing for 15 seconds is a key practice in preventing childhood infections because it ensures that germs, bacteria, and viruses are effectively removed from the hands. Proper hand hygiene is critical in reducing the spread of infectious diseases among children, who are often in close contact with one another and may not always exhibit the best hygiene practices on their own.

Research shows that washing hands for at least 20 seconds is ideal, but even a duration of 15 seconds can be beneficial if done thoroughly. This time frame allows for adequate scrubbing of all parts of the hands, including between the fingers and under the nails, which are common areas where pathogens can reside.

Other options, such as washing hands for only 5 seconds, do not provide sufficient time for effective cleaning. Using soap without water fails to achieve effective hand hygiene, as soap requires water to activate and rinse away germs. Relying solely on hand sanitizers can also be less effective than traditional hand washing, especially if hands are visibly dirty or greasy, as sanitizers may not eliminate all pathogens in such scenarios.