Frequent handwashing is one of the most effective, evidence-based strategies to reduce the spread of the common cold in group settings like preschools. Cold viruses (most commonly rhinoviruses) spread throughrespiratory dropletsandcontaminated surfaces. In classrooms, children often touch shared toys, tables, doorknobs, and their faces. When a teacher touches these surfaces and then touches their eyes, nose, or mouth, the virus can enter the body. Washing hands frequently interrupts this route of transmission by physically removing germs before they can infect a personor be passed on to others.
Proper handwashing means using soap and water, scrubbing all hand surfaces (including between fingers and under nails) for at least20 seconds, then rinsing and drying thoroughly. If soap and water aren’t available, an alcohol-based hand sanitizer can help, though soap and water are preferred when hands are visibly dirty. In addition to hand hygiene, reducing face-touching and cleaning high-touch surfaces can further lower risk, but among the listed options, handwashing most directly reduces transmission.
The other choices support general health but don’t reliably prevent infection on their own. Drinking water helps hydration and normal body function, yet it does not stop viruses from spreading. Vitamin C may support immune function, but research shows it has limited effect in preventing colds for most people and cannot replace hygiene measures. Eating dairy is not a proven strategy to prevent cold transmission and may be irrelevant to infection control. For teachers and students, consistent hand hygiene remains a cornerstone of infection prevention, especially in environments with close contact and frequent shared materials.
