Definition: Treatment to prevent a disease, or to prevent symptoms of a disease. For example, some people take anti-malaria drugs before traveling to areas where malaria is common in order to avoid infection with the disease. Should not be confused with prophylactics (condoms).
Prophylaxis
By Elizabeth Boskey, Ph.D., About.com Guide
Updated April 13, 2007
About.com Health's Disease and Condition content is reviewed by our Medical Review Board
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