Chemoprophylaxis

Chemoprophylaxis (pronounced: kee-mo-pro-fuh-lak-sis) is a medical term that refers to the administration of a medication to prevent disease or infection. The term is derived from the Greek words "chemia" meaning chemistry and "prophylaxis" meaning prevention.

Chemoprophylaxis is often used in the context of infectious diseases, where it can be used to prevent the spread of disease in high-risk populations or to prevent the recurrence of a disease in an individual. It is also used in the context of travel medicine, where it can be used to prevent diseases that are common in certain geographical areas.

The medications used in chemoprophylaxis are often antibiotics, antivirals, or vaccines. The choice of medication depends on the disease being prevented, the individual's health status, and the potential side effects of the medication.

Chemoprophylaxis is a key component of public health strategies to control the spread of infectious diseases. It is also an important tool in the management of individuals with certain chronic diseases, such as HIV/AIDS or tuberculosis.

Related terms include prophylaxis, which refers to any measure taken to prevent disease, and chemotherapy, which refers to the use of chemicals to treat disease.

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Chemoprophylaxis