profilaxis

Profilaxis, from the Greek prophylaxis meaning guarding before, is the set of measures aimed at preventing disease, avoiding infection, or reducing the risk of adverse health outcomes. It encompasses a wide range of activities, including behavioral, environmental, pharmacologic, and immunologic strategies. In medical and dental settings, prophylaxis is distinguished from treatment and from curative care by its emphasis on prevention.

Nonpharmacologic prophylaxis includes practices such as hand hygiene, sanitation, safe sexual practices, use of protective equipment, and vaccination, which provides immune protection before illness occurs. Pharmacologic or immunologic approaches include drugs given to prevent infection or disease, as well as vaccines that prime the immune system against specific pathogens.

Examples in medicine include antibiotic prophylaxis before surgery to prevent wound infection, antiviral or antiparasitic regimens after exposure, and malaria or traveller's prophylaxis for people visiting endemic areas. Vaccination programs constitute population-level prophylaxis by reducing incidence of infectious diseases.

In dentistry, prophylaxis refers to preventive care such as professional dental cleaning to remove plaque and tartar, fluoride applications, and sealants, aimed at preventing caries and periodontal disease.

Profilaxis is often categorized by timing: primary prophylaxis prevents disease before it starts; secondary prophylaxis aims to prevent complications after exposure or early disease; and tertiary prophylaxis seeks to reduce disability once disease is established. Effectiveness depends on accurate risk assessment, timely implementation, and consideration of benefits and risks, including concerns about antibiotic resistance and costs. See also post-exposure prophylaxis and pre-exposure prophylaxis.