What is one of the most effective practices Soldiers can adopt to prevent the spread of disease?

Washing hands is widely recognized as one of the most effective practices for preventing the spread of infectious diseases. This practice significantly reduces the number of pathogens on the skin, which can be transferred to surfaces or other individuals. By thoroughly washing hands with soap and water, Soldiers can effectively remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses, particularly important in environments where close contact with others is common.

While coughing into elbows is a beneficial practice for containing respiratory droplets, it does not directly address the potential transfer of pathogens via hands. Wearing gloves can provide a barrier to contaminants, but it is important to remember that gloves can also become contaminated and may not replace the need for proper hand hygiene. Relying solely on hand sanitizer is not as effective as washing hands, especially when they are visibly dirty or greasy, as hand sanitizers do not eliminate all types of germs. Hence, washing hands remains the most comprehensive method for disease prevention.