a way to Ving or RV?

[terrenziqq]

Washing hands often is a major way to prevent the influenza.

or

Washing hands often is a major way to preventing the influenza.

Which is right?

Why?

Do all the verbs follow the same rule after a way to...? (Varying from verb to verb or not?)

Thanks a lot.

[emsr2d2]

Washing hands often is a major way to prevent the influenza.

or

Washing hands often is a major way to preventing the influenza.


Which is right?

Why?

Do all the verbs follow the same rule after a way to...? (Varying from verb to verb or not?)

Thanks a lot.

If you wanted to use "V + ing", you can do it by changing "to" to "of" - but not in all contexts.

Also, I find "a major way" rather unnatural. I would use "an important way" or "the most important way". It's also difficult to "prevent influenza" but it's possible to "prevent/stem/slow/control the spread of influenza".

Washing [your/one's] hands regularly is a good way to prevent [the spread of] influenza.