profylaxi

Profylaxi, or prophylaxis in English, refers to measures taken to prevent disease or other undesired health outcomes before they occur. The term derives from Greek roots pro- “before” and phylassein “to guard.” In many languages the spelling varies (for example profylaxi), but the concept remains preventive.

Prophylaxis is commonly categorized by timing and goal: primary, secondary, and tertiary. Primary prophylaxis aims to prevent disease in healthy individuals, such as vaccination or risk-reduction strategies. Secondary prophylaxis seeks to avert progression or complications after a disease has begun but before it causes significant harm, for instance through early screening or preventive treatment. Tertiary prophylaxis aims to reduce disability or complications once a disease is established.

In clinical practice, prophylaxis covers pharmacological and non-pharmacological strategies. Pharmacological prophylaxis includes antibiotic regimens to prevent infection around invasive procedures, antimalarial or other chemoprophylaxis to reduce disease risk, and immunoprophylaxis such as vaccines and immune globulins. Non-pharmacological measures encompass hygiene, barrier methods, protective equipment, and systematic screening programs. Certain fields have specialized prophylaxis routines, such as dental prophylaxis (professional cleaning to prevent plaque-related disease) or perioperative prophylaxis to minimize surgical infections.

Effective prophylaxis relies on evidence-based risk assessment and judicious use of resources, balancing benefits against potential harms like adverse drug reactions and antimicrobial resistance. As a central concept in preventive medicine and public health, prophylaxis guides guidelines, patient counseling, and policy decisions across medical disciplines.