Prophylaxis

Prophylaxis is the set of measures intended to prevent the development, recurrence, or spread of diseases.

Prophylaxis lies at the heart of public health campaigns to prevent diseases and epidemics based on the principle that it "prevention is better than cure", for both the patient and for society.

These preventative measures are based on a whole set of tools from information and hygiene to re-education including immunisation (vaccination), early screening, and quarantine.

Primary prophylaxis is designed to prevent the development of a disease and is distinguished from secondary prophylaxis which is intended to prevent recurrence.