prophylaxis

American  

[proh-fuh-lak-sis, prof-uh-] / ˌproʊ fəˈlæk sɪs, ˌprɒf ə- /

noun

1. Medicine/Medical.

   1. the preventing of disease.

   2. the prevention of a specific disease, as by studying the biological behavior, transmission, etc., of its causative agent and applying a series of measures against it.

2. prophylactic treatment, as the cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist.

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prophylaxis British  

/ ˌprɒfɪˈlæksɪs /

noun

1. the prevention of disease or control of its possible spread

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Etymology

Origin of prophylaxis

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek pro- pro- ² + phýlaxis a watching, guarding, equivalent to phylak- (base of phylássein to guard) + -sis -sis

Example Sentences

Pre-exposure prophylaxis, or PrEP, has been used for over a decade to prevent HIV, but its reliance on a daily pill has limited its impact on global infections.

From Barron's

It is hoped it will replace the current form of HIV preventative drug, know as PrEP, or pre-exposure prophylaxis, which is taken orally and also costs $40 per person each year.

From BBC

The CDC supports providing such post-exposure prophylaxis to all asymptomatic household contacts within 21 days of when a whooping cough patient starts coughing.

From Los Angeles Times

Officials call the treatment doxy PEP, short for doxycycline postexposure prophylaxis.

From Seattle Times

The patient was treated with an antiviral right away, and close contacts were given post-exposure prophylaxis.

From Salon