Final answer:
The most frequently used infection control intervention is hand hygiene, which is critical for preventing the spread of diseases. It is a key practice for both the general public and healthcare workers to reduce the transmission of pathogens.
Step-by-step explanation:
The infection control intervention used most frequently is hand hygiene. Proper hand washing is the single most important measure to prevent the spread of pathogens. This is especially critical in healthcare settings, but it applies to the general public as well. Frequent and thorough handwashing can reduce the transmission of a variety of diseases, including gastrointestinal and respiratory illnesses such as the flu and coronavirus disease. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) outlines specific scenarios when handwashing is particularly important, such as before and after food preparation, after using the toilet, and when in contact with the sick.
Healthcare workers are required to perform hand hygiene even more frequently. It is a standardized practice in the medical field to wash hands thoroughly between patient contacts, after removing gloves, and before and after certain medical procedures. These strict protocols are vital for protecting both patients and healthcare providers from the transmission of infectious diseases.