What is the best approach to prevent the spread of a bacterial infection? Wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds. Wash hands with water only. Handle food without washing your hands. Wash hands with soap for five seconds.

The best approach to prevent the spread of a bacterial infection is to **wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds**. Here's a breakdown of why this is the best option: 1. **Effective Cleaning**: Washing hands with soap helps to remove dirt, bacteria, and viruses from the skin. Soap works by breaking down the oils and dirt that can harbor germs. 2. **Duration Matters**: The recommendation to wash for at least 20 seconds is based on studies that show this duration is effective in reducing the number of germs on hands. Shorter washing times, such as five seconds, are not sufficient to effectively clean hands. 3. **Water Alone is Not Enough**: Washing hands with water only does not effectively remove bacteria and viruses. Soap is necessary to lift and wash away germs. 4. **Avoiding Contamination**: Handling food without washing hands can lead to the transfer of bacteria from hands to food, increasing the risk of foodborne illnesses. In summary, the correct and most effective method to prevent the spread of bacterial infections is to wash hands with soap for at least 20 seconds.