When a virus invades your body, it can unexpectedly impact your health and well-being. However, antiviral medications are designed to stop the spread of viruses and help your body recover without complications from these infections. Read on to learn how antiviral treatments work and how they reduce the risk of life-threatening infections so you can better care for your health.

What are Antivirals?

Various prescribed medications, such as pills, liquids or inhaled powders, can help treat viral infections. When you are ill and a virus has entered your system, it works fast to replicate to ensure it makes your immune system defences vulnerable. Antiviral medications help reduce or prevent the virus from spreading to other parts of the body, the same way antibiotics work against bacterial infections.

Antivirals can work to prevent the virus at different stages and can disrupt its life cycle in these ways:

• Preventing viral entry into host cells.
• Inhibiting replication of viral genetic material (DNA or RNA).
• Blocking viral protein synthesis, which is necessary for new virus particles.
• Preventing viral assembly or release from infected cells.

What do they Treat or Manage?

Influenza (Flu): They prevent the virus from spreading and shorten the length of the illness. Additionally, they can help prevent flu-related complications such as pneumonia. These medications offer a safe and effective treatment option even for children two weeks or older.

Herpes Simplex Virus (HSV): Antiviral medications like acyclovir, valacyclovir, and famciclovir work by stopping the spread of the herpes virus in your body, helping sores heal faster, easing symptoms, and lowering transmission risks. These treatments effectively manage initial outbreaks, reduce the frequency and severity of recurrences, and decrease the likelihood of infecting a partner. Depending on the medication, they can be taken orally, applied as a cream, or used to treat specific conditions like cold sores, genital herpes, or chickenpox.

HIV: Antiretroviral therapy (ART) treats HIV by preventing the virus from replicating, reducing the viral load, helping the immune system recover, and lowering transmission risk to nearly zero when the viral load is undetectable. Treatment usually involves a combination of three drugs in one pill, with regular monitoring of viral load and CD4 counts by a healthcare provider. While PrEP can help prevent HIV, additional precautions like using condoms are still recommended.

Hepatitis B and C: Antivirals for hepatitis B and C prevent the viruses from replicating, reducing liver inflammation and damage. Hepatitis B treatments target viral DNA synthesis, while hepatitis C antivirals interfere with proteins essential for replication, aiming to clear the virus entirely from the bloodstream. These treatments are most effective for those with active liver disease, potentially preventing complications like liver cancer.

Eye Infections: Antiviral medications treat eye infections by stopping viral replication within infected cells. They are available as eye drops, ointments, or oral medications for severe cases. Common treatments include acyclovir and trifluridine, while additional options like corticosteroids, compresses, antihistamines, artificial tears, and antibiotics help manage symptoms and prevent complications. Antivirals effectively suppress and control infections without any cure.

How do Antivirals Work?

Antiviral medication supports your body in fighting infections by strengthening your natural defences against viruses. They work by blocking receptors to prevent viruses from entering healthy cells, boosting your immune system to combat infections more effectively, and reducing the number of active viruses in your body.

The Differences Between Antivirals and Antibiotics

Antibiotics and antivirals fight infections but target different pathogens. Antibiotics combat bacterial infections by killing or preventing their growth and can treat multiple types of bacteria. At the same time, antivirals inhibit viral replication and are usually specific to a single virus. Since viruses live inside cells and are harder to target, antivirals are more challenging to develop and are available in various forms, including pills, creams, and eye drops.

Side-Effects You Might Be Vulnerable To

It’s essential to discuss potential side effects with your healthcare provider, as some may be temporary and manageable, while others could require adjustments to treatment. However, the side effects of antiviral medications can vary depending on the specific drug, dosage, and your body’s response, but common side effects include:

• Gastrointestinal Issues: Nausea, vomiting, diarrhoea, and abdominal pain are frequent side effects.
• Headaches and Dizziness: Some antivirals may cause mild to severe headaches or dizziness.
• Fatigue: Feeling tired or experiencing a lack of energy is common.
• Skin Reactions: Rash, itching, or sensitivity to sunlight may occur with some antiviral medications.
• Liver Problems: In rare cases, antiviral drugs may affect liver function, leading to elevated liver enzymes.
• Blood Abnormalities: Some antivirals can cause changes in blood cell counts, such as anaemia or neutropenia.
• Neurological Effects: Confusion, hallucinations, or mood changes may occur, particularly with higher doses or in older adults.
• Allergic Reactions: Though rare, severe allergic reactions, such as swelling, difficulty breathing, or hives, can happen and require immediate medical attention.

Proactively seeking timely treatment can help you prevent viral infections that can lead to life-threatening complications. Antivirals provide necessary support by strengthening your immune system to fight pathogens and limit virus spread. Affinity Health’s Acute Medication Benefit and Chronic Disease Management program gives you access to the medical care and resources needed to manage and treat viral infections effectively.