Which lifestyle modification can help in preventing upper respiratory infections?

• A. Avoiding physical exercise
• B. Regular hand washing and avoiding crowded places
• C. Increasing dairy intake to boost immune response
• D. Reducing water intake to avoid excess mucus

Answer: (B)

The main idea here is preventing infections by cutting off the ways viruses spread. Regular hand washing with soap and water removes germs from your hands, lowering the chance you’ll transfer them to your eyes, nose, or mouth. Doing this for about 20 seconds is a simple, effective habit. Avoiding crowded places reduces your exposure to respiratory droplets that carry viruses, especially during peak transmission times. Together, these actions directly reduce how infections spread.

The other options don’t fit as preventive strategies. Regular physical activity supports immune health, so avoiding exercise isn’t a reliable way to prevent infections. Dairy intake isn’t proven to stop infections, and myths about mucus aren’t a solid basis for preventing illness. Staying adequately hydrated is important for throat and airway expectoration, so reducing water intake to avoid mucus isn’t advised.