Prophylaxis facts for kids
Prophylaxis is a Greek word and concept. It means any action taken to guard or prevent beforehand. The corresponding adjective is prophylactic.
Two parts
The concept of prophylaxis has two parts. First is forethought. A person has to realise the need first of all. Second is taking appropriate action.
Any failure of prophylaxis is a failure at either stage 1 or stage 2. Successful prophylaxis means one has anticipated and avoided some undesirable outcome.
Examples
Preventative medicine
Prophylaxis is the central idea in preventative medicine. People usually think medical treatment helps sick people to get healthy. Prophylactic treatment is helpful in a different way. Primary prophylaxis tries to stop healthy people from getting sick. Secondary prophylaxis tries to stop people who are sick from getting worse.
Related pages
Images for kids
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Immunization against diseases is a key preventive healthcare measure.
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Distribution of lung cancer in the United States
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The presence of cancer (adenocarcinoma) detected on a Pap test
See also
In Spanish: Prevención de enfermedades para niños
