Prophylaxis, << `proh` fuh LAK sihs, >> means any treatment that protects a person from a disease. Prophylaxis is also called preventive treatment. Treatment is called corrective or curative when the patient already has a disease or unhealthful condition.
Preventive measures have been very important in improving health and prolonging life. Methods pioneered by Edward Jenner, Robert Koch, Louis Pasteur, and others proved it is possible to strengthen the body so it will be immune to certain diseases through the use of vaccines. Collective prophylaxis is preventive medicine in the field of public health. For example, sanitation and widespread immunization help protect communities from many diseases.
