pre-exposure prophylaxis

medicine

This term, often abbreviated as 'PrEP,' refers to a preventive medical approach to protect individuals from infections before they are exposed to the pathogen.

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Definition

C1General Medicine

(technical, medical)A preventive treatment taken before exposure to a pathogen to reduce the risk of infection.

Example

Pre-exposure prophylaxis is recommended for travelers to malaria-endemic regions.

C1HIV Prevention

(technical, medical, specific)A preventive regimen of HIV medications taken by individuals at high risk to avoid contracting the virus.

Example

Many at-risk individuals take pre-exposure prophylaxis to significantly reduce their chances of HIV infection.