Which statement best describes tertiary prevention?

• A. Measures to prevent disease before symptoms appear.
• B. Interventions after disease onset to limit disability.
• C. Public health vaccination to prevent infection.
• D. Lifestyle modification to prevent non-communicable diseases.

Answer: (B)

Tertiary prevention focuses on reducing disability and preventing further deterioration after a disease has already developed. The statement describes actions taken after illness onset to limit disability, such as rehabilitation after a stroke or ongoing management of a chronic condition to prevent complications and preserve function.

Other options describe preventing the disease in the first place—before symptoms appear (primary prevention), such as vaccination to prevent infection or lifestyle changes to lower risk of non-communicable diseases.