HealthAugust 22, 2026
prophylaxis
pro-fuh-LAK-sis
Definition
A measure or treatment taken to prevent a disease from occurring or developing.
Etymology
The word comes from the Greek word prophylaxis, meaning 'an advance guard' or 'precaution,' derived from pro- ('before') and phylassein ('to guard'). It entered medical English in the 19th century to describe preventative health practices.
In the news
The article mentions post-exposure prophylaxis as a medical circumstance in which an additional dose of the Tdap vaccine might be recommended to prevent the onset of illness. It highlights the importance of timely vaccination to maintain protection against respiratory infections.
El Paso health officials urge vaccines as whooping cough cases rise in the city
Read the full article ↗KFOX