A growing body of evidence demonstrates that simple, cost-effective hygiene measures—particularly hand hygiene, respiratory etiquette, and surface disinfection—play a central role in mitigating the spread of seasonal viral infections such as influenza, respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), and common cold viruses. Regular handwashing with soap and water or use of alcohol-based hand sanitizers reduces acute respiratory infection incidence by 21–24% in community settings and may suppress epidemic peaks when adopted widely [2]. Respiratory etiquette—covering coughs and sneezes with a tissue or elbow—limits droplet dispersion, cutting transmission by up to 50% in controlled studies [8]. Surface disinfection of high-touch areas every 2 hours can lower viral transmission risk by over 80% in high-traffic venues [3]. Integrated programs combining these measures with public education and environmental controls offer the greatest protection, underscoring hygiene’s pivotal role in seasonal outbreak prevention [1].

Hygiene; Seasonal viral infections; Hand hygiene; Respiratory etiquette; Surface disinfection; Influenza; Prevention.

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