Preventing Certain Conditions by Treatment with Drugs or Other Therapies

The use of drugs and therapies can prevent the progression of certain conditions. These treatments might be used prior to invasive procedures such as surgery or as stand-alone measures.
Antibiotics are drugs that can treat and prevent bacterial infections. Each class is designed to attack a specific type of bacteria, either by inhibiting its growth or by killing it outright.
Vaccines are used to prime the immune system for future encounters with specific pathogens. They usually contain an inactivated (not capable of causing disease) or attenuated (weakened) version of the pathogen, or part of it, to stimulate an immune response.
Antiviral drugs hinder the ability of a virus to multiply and often target specific phases of the virus’s life cycle. As viruses use host cells to replicate, it proves difficult to develop antiviral medicines that do not also damage the host cells.
Antifungal treatments target specific elements of fungal cells, preventing them from growing and multiplying. Some may even kill the fungal cells directly.
Physiotherapy is a form of therapy used to improve mobility and manage or alleviate pain using exercises and physical manipulation, often used for musculoskeletal conditions.
Psychotherapy is a therapy used to help individuals cope with mental health disorders. This can be carried out in one-to-one sessions, group therapy, or via cognitive behavioural therapy (CBT).
Radiotherapy is used to kill cancer cells and shrink tumours using radiation.
Chemotherapy, a chemical drug therapy, is utilised to treat cancer by preventing the cancer cells from dividing and reproducing.
Dietary intervention, like reducing calorie consumption or adjusting the intake of specific vitamins or minerals, can help control and prevent certain health conditions. These could include high cholesterol, diabetes, and obesity.
Immunotherapy is a form of cancer treatment that enhances the body’s natural defence (the immune system) to fight the cancer.
Remember, all treatments have potential side effects and risks that must be considered along with their potential benefits.