Screening asymptomatic individuals for HIV infection is which level of prevention?

• A. Secondary
• B. Primary
• C. Tertiary
• D. Quaternary

Answer: (A)

Screening asymptomatic individuals for HIV infection is an example of secondary prevention. The aim here is to detect the disease early, before symptoms appear, so treatment can start sooner and reduce both disease progression and the risk of transmission. Primary prevention would focus on preventing the infection in the first place (like safe practices and vaccination when available). Tertiary prevention deals with reducing complications once disease is established, and quaternary prevention is about avoiding unnecessary or harmful interventions. So the act of screening to catch HIV early fits secondary prevention because it targets early detection in people without symptoms to prevent worse outcomes.