Evaluation of a handwashing intervention to reduce respiratory illness rates in senior day-care centers.

Staff were educated on viral transmission and the value of hand washing in senior day care. The rate of respiratory infection was significantly lower during the intervention year than in the previous 3 years. Re-education of staff on transmission of the common cold viruses and the benefits of frequent hand washing may help limit the spread of these pathogens. Infection Control and Hospital Epidemiology 1999;20:200-202.