Each week, Verywell explains a term from health, medicine, science, or technology.Word of the Week: ProphylaxisHow to say it:Prophylaxis(pro-fee-LAX-sis)What it means: A preventive treatmentWhere it comes from: From Greek,prophylak,“to guard"Anna Shvets/PexelsWhere you might see or hear it: Antibiotics are sometimes given before surgeries or procedures to help prevent infection. These are called prophylactic antibiotics. Dentists mayprescribe antibioticsbefore oral surgery.When you might want to use it: If you are at risk for HIV, you might be familiar withPre-Exposure Prophylaxis(PReP). You may explain to a partner that taking PReP helps protect you from getting HIV if you are exposed (the “prophylaxis” part of the treatment’s name refers to its ability to prevent HIV).Types of Prophylaxis In Medicine
Each week, Verywell explains a term from health, medicine, science, or technology.
Word of the Week: Prophylaxis
How to say it:Prophylaxis(pro-fee-LAX-sis)
What it means: A preventive treatment
Where it comes from: From Greek,prophylak,“to guard”
Anna Shvets/Pexels
Where you might see or hear it: Antibiotics are sometimes given before surgeries or procedures to help prevent infection. These are called prophylactic antibiotics. Dentists mayprescribe antibioticsbefore oral surgery.
When you might want to use it: If you are at risk for HIV, you might be familiar withPre-Exposure Prophylaxis(PReP). You may explain to a partner that taking PReP helps protect you from getting HIV if you are exposed (the “prophylaxis” part of the treatment’s name refers to its ability to prevent HIV).
Types of Prophylaxis In Medicine
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