PrEP or pre-exposure prophylaxis is a method for preventing a disease that involves taking medication. When you take measures to protect yourself from getting a disease, it is called prophylaxis. PrEP is a type of prophylaxis for people who do not have the disease but may be at risk for getting it, such as front-line healthcare workers. It is different from post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP), another type of prophylaxis, for people who have been exposed to someone who has been confirmed to have a disease.
PrEP is taken daily or weekly, depending on the medication. Studies are being established and conducted to investigate the effectiveness of PrEP for COVID-19.