prophylaxis

[proh-fuh-lak-sis, prof-uh-]

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.

prophylaxis

/ ˌprɒfɪˈlæksɪs /

noun

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

Word History and Origins

Origin of prophylaxis¹

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

Example Sentences

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.

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

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

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

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"This could be a potential broad spectrum antiviral treatment and prophylaxis."

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