What is Prophylaxis?
{{for|the chess term|Prophylaxis (chess)}} '''Prophylaxis''' is a [[Greek language|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 [[wikt:forethought|forethought]]. A person has to realise the need first of all. Second is taking appropriate [[wikt:action|action]]. Any failure of prophylaxis is a failure at either stage 1 or stage 2. Successful prophylaxis means one has [[wikt:anticipate|anticipated]] and avoided some undesirable [[wikt:outcome|outcome]]. == Examples == [[File:FRONTLINE SOLDIER.jpg|thumb|Fumigating buses in [[Kenya]] to limit the spread of the [[Covid-19]] (2021).]] === Preventative medicine === Prophylaxis is the central idea in [[wikt:prevent|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. === Birth control === Prophylaxis is also be used as a [[synonym]] for [[birth control]]. [[Condom]]s are prophylactic, because when used properly they can prevent [[pregnancy]] or [[Sexually transmitted disease|sexually transmitted diseases]]. == Related pages == *[[Health care]] *[[Prophylaxis (chess)]] *[[Vaccine]] [[Category:Medicine]]