NEWS Health News Word of the Week: Prophylaxis By Team Verywell Health Updated on September 03, 2021 Fact checked by Angela Underwood Fact checked by Angela Underwood LinkedIn Angela Underwood's extensive local, state, and federal healthcare and environmental news coverage includes 911 first-responder compensation policy to the Ciba-Geigy water contamination case in Toms River, NJ. Her additional health-related coverage includes death and dying, skin care, and autism spectrum disorder. Learn about our editorial process Share Tweet Email Print Alex Dos Diaz / Verywell Each week, Verywell explains a term from health, medicine, science, or technology. Word of the Week: Prophylaxis How to say it: Prophylaxis (pro-fee-LAX-sis) What it means: A preventive treatment Where it comes from: From Greek, prophylak, "to guard" Anna Shvets/Pexels Where you might see or hear it: Antibiotics are sometimes given before surgeries or procedures to help prevent infection. These are called prophylactic antibiotics. Dentists may prescribe antibiotics before oral surgery. When you might want to use it: If you are at risk for HIV, you might be familiar with Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis (PReP). You may explain to a partner that taking PReP helps protect you from getting HIV if you are exposed (the "prophylaxis" part of the treatment's name refers to its ability to prevent HIV). Types of Prophylaxis In Medicine See Our Editorial Process Meet Our Medical Expert Board Share Feedback Was this page helpful? Thanks for your feedback! What is your feedback? Other Helpful Report an Error Submit