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Hand hygiene is recognized as the primary method of preventing the spread of infection in healthcare settings and beyond. This approach involves the regular and thorough cleaning of hands with soap and water or the use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers. Proper hand hygiene effectively removes pathogens from the hands, significantly reducing the transmission of infections, particularly in environments where exposure to germs is heightened, such as hospitals and clinics.

While wearing masks can be an important practice, especially in controlling respiratory infections, it does not replace the need for hand hygiene. Disinfecting surfaces is also crucial to minimize the risk of transmission from contaminated surfaces, but it primarily complements, rather than replaces, the fundamental need for clean hands. The use of antibiotics can prevent or treat infections, but inappropriate use can contribute to antibiotic resistance and is not a general preventive measure against the spread of infection.

Therefore, emphasizing hand hygiene as the cornerstone of infection control reinforces the understanding that cleanliness on an individual level is vital in interrupting the chain of infection.