PROPHYLAXIS Definition & Meaning

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prophylaxis

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

Phonetic (Standard)IPA

noun

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.
prophylactic treatment, as the cleaning of the teeth by a dentist or dental hygienist.

prophylaxis

/ ˌ��ɒ��ɪˈ��æ��ɪ�� /

noun

the prevention of disease or control of its possible spread

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�y��vlog History and Origins

Origin of prophylaxis¹

1835–45; < New Latin < Greek pro- pro- ² + ��ý��澱�� a watching, guarding, equivalent to phylak- (base of ��á��𾱲� to guard) + -sis -sis

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Example Sentences

Examples have not been reviewed.

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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For now, people taking pre- or post-exposure prophylaxis against HIV will be deferred at least three months, which has drawn concerns from advocates who note the prevention drugs are safe and effective.

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