Need a policy because of a recent regulatory change? We’ve got it for you. Need some quick training on a specific HR topic? We’ve got it for you. HR Insider provides the resources you need to craft, implement and monitor policies with confidence. Our team of experts (which includes lawyers, analysts and HR professionals) keep track of complex legislation, pending changes, new interpretations and evolving case law to provide you with the policies and procedures to keep you ahead of problems. FIND OUT MORE...
Infection Control 101: Managing Illness, Outbreaks, and Hand Hygiene Stats and Facts

FACTS

  • Hands are the primary vehicle for germ transmission in childcare.
  • Children touch their faces an average of 15–20 times per hour.
  • Shared toys and surfaces amplify exposure risk.
  • Early symptom recognition reduces outbreak size.
  • Consistent routines outperform reactive cleaning.

STATS

  • U.S. CDC data shows handwashing can reduce gastrointestinal illness by up to 40%.
  • CDC outbreak surveillance identifies childcare as a leading setting for norovirus outbreaks.
  • The U.S. BLS reports higher illness-related absenteeism in education and care services than the national average.
  • Public Health Agency of Canada links improved hand hygiene compliance to measurable reductions in childcare illness outbreaks.
  • The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention reports that children in childcare settings experience significantly higher rates of respiratory and gastrointestinal infections than those cared for at home.
  • Norovirus and influenza outbreaks frequently originate in group-care environments, causing thousands of reported cases annually in North America.