4.1.1  Primary prevention

Primary prevention — those preventive measures that prevent the onset of illness or injury before the disease process begins. Examples include immunization (Figure 4.1) and taking regular exercise.

A baby crying out as it is immunized.
Figure 4.1  Immunization is a good example of primary prevention, although it may not be appreciated at the time. (Photo: AMREF/Demissew Bezuwerk)

4.1  Levels of disease prevention

4.1.2  Secondary prevention