Profilaksis

Profilaksis, or prophylaxis, refers to measures intended to prevent disease, injury, or complications. It includes medical interventions, vaccination, and behavioral or environmental changes designed to reduce the risk of illness or its progression. Prophylaxis is used across clinical settings, public health programs, and veterinary medicine, and may be applied before exposure to a threat or after potential exposure.

Types include primary prophylaxis, which aims to prevent the initial occurrence of disease, and secondary prophylaxis, which seeks to prevent recurrence or worsening after an episode. Pre-exposure prophylaxis (PrEP) and post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) are common categorizations in infectious disease control. Examples include vaccines; malaria chemoprophylaxis; HIV PrEP/PEP; dental antibiotic prophylaxis for at-risk patients; and pharmacologic or mechanical strategies to prevent venous thromboembolism after surgery.

Implementation relies on risk assessment and guidelines from health authorities. Prophylactic measures balance potential benefits against adverse effects, cost, and risks such as antibiotic resistance. Prophylaxis does not replace treatment for established disease but aims to reduce incidence, severity, or transmission. The concept encompasses a broad range of practices, from vaccination campaigns to targeted drug regimens and protective devices, all oriented toward maintaining health and preventing harm before it occurs.