Which statement correctly describes primary prevention?

Which statement correctly describes primary prevention?

• A. Vaccinations
• B. Screening tests
• C. Rehabilitation after stroke
• D. Limiting sugary drinks

Answer: (A)

Primary prevention aims to stop a disease from ever developing. Vaccinations accomplish this by training the immune system to recognize a pathogen and mount a defense before exposure, so infection and illness do not occur. Screening tests look for disease in people who don’t yet have symptoms, which is secondary prevention. Rehabilitation after a stroke focuses on recovery and reducing damage after the event, which is tertiary prevention. Limiting sugary drinks reduces risk factors for chronic diseases, a helpful preventive step, but the clearest example of preventing disease before it starts is vaccination.

Primary prevention aims to stop a disease from ever developing. Vaccinations accomplish this by training the immune system to recognize a pathogen and mount a defense before exposure, so infection and illness do not occur. Screening tests look for disease in people who don’t yet have symptoms, which is secondary prevention. Rehabilitation after a stroke focuses on recovery and reducing damage after the event, which is tertiary prevention. Limiting sugary drinks reduces risk factors for chronic diseases, a helpful preventive step, but the clearest example of preventing disease before it starts is vaccination.