Nota: A tradução desta entrada está atualmente em revisão de qualidade, portanto parte do conteúdo é exibida temporariamente apenas em inglês.
Este verbete ainda não foi traduzido para o seu idioma, portanto o original é exibido abaixo.
prophylaxis
This term is primarily used in clinical and medical settings to describe a preemptive strike against illness. It carries a connotation of professional foresight and systemic prevention, distinguishing it from general "prevention" by implying a specific medical protocol or pharmacological intervention.
Because it is a mass noun in most medical contexts, it is treated as uncountable. It describes the general concept of preventive treatment rather than individual instances of prevention, meaning it does not typically take a plural form in standard medical discourse.
Meanings
Action taken to prevent disease, especially by vaccination or other means of prevention.
Examples
Regular dental cleaning is a form of prophylaxis to prevent gum disease.
We need to start the prophylaxis immediately to avoid any post-operative infections.
Is this medication intended for treatment or as a prophylaxis?
The patient was put on malaria prophylaxis before traveling to the tropics.
Proper hygiene serves as the most basic prophylaxis against the spread of germs.
I wonder if a more aggressive prophylaxis would have prevented the relapse.
The surgeon emphasized the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk cases.
The surgeon emphasized the importance of antibiotic prophylaxis in high-risk cases.
The clinic provides various forms of prophylaxis for seasonal influenza.