Which practice most effectively reduces the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a child-care setting?

Which practice most effectively reduces the spread of respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) in a child-care setting?

• A. Direct contact
• B. Indirect contact
• C. Palivizumab for all toddlers in daycare
• D. Frequent hand-washing helps reduce the spread of RSV

Answer: (D)

Frequent hand-washing is the most effective way to reduce RSV spread in a child-care setting because the virus is transmitted through contact with infected secretions and contaminated surfaces. When staff and children wash their hands regularly—especially after diapering, after coughing or sneezing, before meals, and after handling toys or shared objects—it removes or deactivates the virus on the hands, interrupting transmission before it can occur. Cleaning and disinfecting toys and surfaces and practicing good diapering and hygiene procedures support this protection, but hand hygiene provides the most consistent and practical barrier in daily daycare routines. Direct contact and indirect contact describe how RSV spreads, not a preventative action. Palivizumab is a preventive antibody given to certain high-risk infants, not all toddlers in daycare, and isn’t a general, day-to-day measure to curb spread.

Frequent hand-washing is the most effective way to reduce RSV spread in a child-care setting because the virus is transmitted through contact with infected secretions and contaminated surfaces. When staff and children wash their hands regularly—especially after diapering, after coughing or sneezing, before meals, and after handling toys or shared objects—it removes or deactivates the virus on the hands, interrupting transmission before it can occur. Cleaning and disinfecting toys and surfaces and practicing good diapering and hygiene procedures support this protection, but hand hygiene provides the most consistent and practical barrier in daily daycare routines.

Direct contact and indirect contact describe how RSV spreads, not a preventative action. Palivizumab is a preventive antibody given to certain high-risk infants, not all toddlers in daycare, and isn’t a general, day-to-day measure to curb spread.