Which is NOT a prevention strategy to reduce the risk of communicable diseases?

The option regarding washing hands before handling pets is not universally recognized as a primary prevention strategy specifically aimed at reducing the risk of communicable diseases. While washing hands is indeed an important health practice and can help prevent the spread of germs, the other options directly address measures that are well-established in public health guidelines for preventing the spread of infectious diseases.

Washing hands after using the restroom, for instance, is a fundamental practice to prevent gastrointestinal and other infections by removing pathogens from the hands. Getting vaccinated annually, such as receiving the flu vaccine, directly helps to prevent certain communicable diseases by building immunity. Similarly, wearing masks in crowded places is an effective method for reducing the transmission of airborne diseases, especially during outbreaks or pandemics.

While washing hands before handling pets contributes to general health hygiene, it is not specifically targeted at the widespread prevention of communicable diseases in the same way as the other strategies mentioned.