What coaching recommendation should a medical assistant provide to reduce the spread of infection?

Washing hands routinely before and after meals is a critical practice in reducing the spread of infection. This recommendation is grounded in the understanding that hands often come into contact with various surfaces and substances that may harbor pathogens. By washing hands thoroughly, medical assistants help eliminate bacteria and viruses that could cause illness. This practice not only protects the individual engaging in the activity but also contributes to the overall health of the community by reducing the transmission of infectious agents.

While using hand sanitizer is helpful, it is not a substitute for thorough handwashing, especially in cases where hands are visibly dirty. Avoiding contact with sick individuals can help in certain situations, but it does not address everyday interactions where infections may still spread. Limiting travel to crowded places is also a precaution, but it is more situational rather than a routine practice. Routinely washing hands is a foundational and universally acknowledged method in infection control that applies in a wide array of settings, making it the most comprehensive recommendation among the options provided.