Do you often get colds and flus that make your body ache? Or have you heard the word 'antiviral' during the COVID-19 pandemic? Almost all of us are familiar with 'antibiotics'. Even if we have a slight cough or sore throat, some people take antibiotics without even consulting a doctor. But what exactly is this 'antiviral'? Let's find out today how important these are for our bodies and how to use them.
What exactly is this antiviral?
Simply put, antivirals are a special type of medicine that helps our body fight and defeat certain viruses that enter our body. They are like a special force that comes to the aid of our immune system.
And there's another important thing about these drugs. That is, they can also act as a protector . That is, they help protect us from getting viral infections and stop us from spreading a virus to others if we have it. Doctors sometimes call this treatment antiviral therapy.
What diseases are antiviral drugs used for?
Not every viral illness you get requires antiviral medication. For example, many viral infections, like the common cold, clear up on their own within a few days without medication.
However, some viral infections can be life-threatening or chronic . Doctors prescribe antiviral medications to treat such serious infections.
See the table below for some of these diseases.
| Name of the viral infection | A simple explanation |
|---|---|
| Coronavirus (e.g. COVID-19) | An infection that affects the respiratory system and spreads like a pandemic. |
| Ebola | A very severe, potentially fatal viral infection. |
| Influenza (Flu) - including H1N1 (swine flu) | A common flu among us. Some strains can be severe. |
| Herpes | A lifelong infection that causes blisters on the skin and genitals. |
| Hepatitis B and C | Chronic viral infections that damage the liver. |
| Human immunodeficiency virus (HIV) | The virus that attacks the body's immune system and causes AIDS. |
| Mpox | A viral infection that causes blisters on the skin and shows symptoms similar to chickenpox. |
How do these antiviral drugs work inside our bodies?
These drugs are like clever spies. They use three main methods to fight viruses inside our bodies.
1. Locking the doors that allow the virus to enter the cells: Think of the virus as a thief, and the healthy cells in our body as houses. To get inside the house, this thief needs a keyhole (receptor) in the door. Some antiviral drugs work by closing this keyhole. Then the virus cannot enter the cells and spread the disease.
2. Giving our own immune system extra power: We have a defense army in our bodies that fights viruses. That is our immune system. Some antiviral drugs give this army extra power, help. It's like giving our army some more powerful weapons.
3. Reducing the amount of virus in the body: When viruses enter the body, they spread very quickly, that is, they multiply. The amount of active virus in the body is called the 'viral load' . The main thing that antiviral drugs do is to reduce the speed at which these viruses spread. Then the amount of virus in the body decreases, making it easier for our immune system to control the disease.
How can we obtain this medicine?
Most of the time, we get antiviral drugs in the form of pills. However, depending on the nature of the disease, these are delivered to the body in different ways.
- Pills: Regular tablets that are swallowed by mouth.
- Eye drops: For viral infections of the eyes.
- Inhaled powder: For respiratory tract infections.
- Intramuscular Injections: Injections that are injected directly into the muscle.
- Intravenous fluids (IV infusions): Given into the body through a vein, such as saline.
- Topical creams: For skin infections like herpes.
Can antivirals completely cure viral infections?
This is a question that many people have. The answer is, "It depends on the type of viral infection you have."
- Completely curable infections: Some viruses, for example, influenza and Ebola, can be completely eliminated from our bodies and cured with these drugs.
- Intractable infections: But viruses like HIV, hepatitis, and herpes are a little different. Once they enter the body, they can't be completely eliminated. But don't worry. Antiviral drugs work by putting these viruses into a 'latent' state. This means that even though the virus is still in the body, it stops causing symptoms and spreading it to others. It's like putting someone who is struggling to sleep. People with these diseases may have to take medication for the rest of their lives.
Is this medicine safe? Are there any side effects?
Yes, these are very safe if you take them exactly as prescribed by a doctor. The most important thing is to take the exact dose, at the exact time, and for the exact number of days that the doctor tells you.
You should also tell your doctor about any other medications, vitamins, or herbal supplements you are taking, as some medications can cause problems when taken together.
Let's also be aware of the side effects.
Like any medication, antiviral medications can cause minor side effects in some people. These vary depending on the type of medication and the dosage.
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Upset stomach, diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Tiredness
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Joint pain
- Muscle pain
- Nausea and vomiting
- Skin rash
The most important thing is, even if you experience side effects, do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice. When you skip doses, stop taking them, and then start again, the virus can get used to the medicine. Then, even if you give it again, the virus will not go away. We call this 'antiviral resistance'.
If you experience severe side effects, tell your doctor immediately. He or she may change the dosage or prescribe a different medication.
What is the difference between an antiviral and an antibiotic?
This is where many people get confused. Although both are medications for infections, they have different functions.
| Characteristic | Antiviral | Antibiotic |
|---|---|---|
| Who is fighting? | Only for viruses. | Only for bacteria. |
| Usage scenarios | For viral infections such as influenza (Flu), COVID-19, HIV, herpes. | For bacterial throat infections, urinary tract infections, bacterial skin infections. |
| Important point | Does not work for bacterial infections. | Does not work for viral infections (e.g., colds). |
That's why taking antibiotics for a viral illness like a cold is useless. Using antibiotics unnecessarily kills the good bacteria in the body and creates bad bacteria that are resistant to the drugs.
When should I see the doctor?
If you are taking antiviral medication, it is very important to follow up with your doctor as directed. Especially if you are being treated for a long-term condition like HIV, you should see your doctor regularly for regular check-ups.
And also,
- If the side effects you experience are severe.
- If your symptoms worsen or new symptoms appear.
Call your doctor immediately.
You know your body better than anyone else. If you feel anything different, strange, or uncomfortable, don't be afraid to tell your doctor. He or she will provide you with the treatment and advice you need.
Take-Home Message
- Antiviral drugs are drugs given for viral infections. Antibiotics are drugs given for bacterial infections. Don't confuse the two.
- Always take antiviral medications only if prescribed by a doctor, in the exact dosage and for the exact duration he recommends.
- Even if you feel better or experience side effects, do not stop taking the medication without consulting your doctor. Doing so can cause the virus to become resistant to the medication.
- Some antiviral drugs completely cure the disease, while others help control diseases like HIV for life.
- These are some of the most powerful and life-saving medicines in our healthcare system. Therefore, it is our duty to use them correctly and responsibly.
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