Summary: The aim of post-exposure prophylaxis (PEP) is primarily to minimize the risk of developing an infection after contact with an infectious person. In the case of easily spreading diseases, PEP may also contribute to stopping the spread of pathogens in the environment and stopping the epidemic. This practice is particularly important in the case of patients who, due to their condition (e.g. pregnancy) or age, could not take preventive vaccinations and belong to a group of high risk of a severe course of individual infections. The article below, in a synthetic way, presents the characteristics of selected infectious diseases along with possible types of post-exposure prophylaxis, so that it is helpful in everyday medical practice.