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Primary prevention
Activities known to help prevent disease or ill health prior to its occurrence are classified under primary prevention. The practice of healthy habits such as eating a healthy diet, being physically active, and moderating alcohol intake are examples of habits that can help lower one’s risk of disease. Other health behaviors can help prevent accidents or injuries.

Immunizations provide protection against the onset of bacterial infections or viruses. Historically, children are vaccinated against a host of diseases prior to entering school. However, more vaccines are being developed that can be useful at later stages during the life cycle such as the flu vaccine and those developed to protect against hepatitis. Immunizations are some of the strongest and most successful disease prevention agents.

Secondary prevention
Action taken to enable early detection of a health problem and to stop or modify the severity or extent of illness are considered secondary preventive measures. For example, when a woman receives a mammogram to identify unusual areas in the breast tissue or a man gets his PSA measured, these are screenings that can help identify early cancer growths.