When you have a fever or a cold, when you go to the doctor, they sometimes give you an antibiotic, right? But did you know that antibiotics don't work for all illnesses, especially those caused by viruses? There is a special type of medicine that helps our body fight off such viral infections. Today we are talking about those medicines called antivirals.
What exactly are these antivirals?
Simply put, antivirals are a type of medicine that helps our body fight viral infections. They are like a special force that comes to the aid of our own army (the immune system) when an invader (a virus) enters our body. These medicines can not only cure the disease, but also help prevent us from getting some viral infections and from infecting others. Doctors also call this treatment "antiviral therapy."
What diseases are antivirals used for?
Most viral illnesses we get, like the common cold, are easily treated by our immune system without any medication. But there are some serious, life-threatening, or chronic viral infections. That's when doctors prescribe antivirals.
Below are some of the conditions for which antivirals are commonly used:
- Coronaviruses, for example COVID-19
- Severe viruses like Ebola
- Flu, including H1N1 (swine flu)
- Herpes
- Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C (viruses that affect the liver)
- Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV)
- Mpox (formerly known as Monkeypox)
The most important thing is that only a doctor should decide whether you need this medication or not. Don't just go to the pharmacy and ask for antivirals when you have a fever.
How does this medicine work inside our body?
Antivirals fight viruses inside our bodies in three ways. Think of a virus as an enemy trying to sneak into our homes called cells.
1. Blocking entry into cells: Some antivirals block the receptors that allow viruses to enter our healthy cells. It's like locking the door to a house so that an enemy can't get in.
2. Strengthening the immune system: Other antivirals strengthen our body's natural defense system, the immune system , and help it fight the virus.
3. Reducing the amount of virus: Some medications stop the virus from dividing, multiplying, and increasing in size inside the body. We call this reducing the viral load . This means that the virus cannot do much damage.
What are the ways to get antivirals?
Most antivirals come in the form of pills, but these medications are given in different forms depending on the condition.
| Delivery method | Description |
|---|---|
| Oral drugs | The most common method. |
| Eye drops | For viral infections affecting the eyes. |
| Inhaled powder | For respiratory system infections. |
| Intramuscular injections | As a quick treatment for some infections. |
| Saline given into veins (IV infusions) | During hospital treatment for severe infections. |
| Topical creams | For infections such as herpes on the skin. |
Can these medicines completely cure viruses?
This depends on the type of viral infection you have.
- Completely curable infections: Viruses like the flu and Ebola can be completely eliminated from the body and cured with antiviral treatments.
- Controllable infections: However, viral infections like HIV, Hepatitis, and Herpes cannot be completely eliminated once they have entered the body. These are called chronic infections . However, antiviral medications can keep the virus in a latent state in the body. This means that the virus is dormant. Then the symptoms do not appear, or they appear very rarely.
What are the possible side effects?
Like any medication, antivirals can cause side effects in some people. These vary depending on the type of medication and the dosage.
- Cough
- Dry mouth
- Diarrhea
- Dizziness
- Fatigue
- Headache
- Insomnia
- Joint pain and muscle pain
- Vomiting and nausea
- Skin rash
Very important: Do not stop taking the medicine without your doctor's advice, even if you have side effects. Skipping doses or stopping and starting again can cause the virus to become resistant to the medicine, which will eventually stop working. This is called antiviral resistance .
If you have severe side effects or your symptoms worsen, tell your doctor immediately.
What is the difference between antivirals and antibiotics?
This is where many people get confused. Although both are medications for infections, they target two completely different types of microorganisms.
| Characteristic | Antivirals | Antibiotics |
|---|---|---|
| Goal | Only for viruses . | Only for bacteria . |
| Functionality | Almost every antivirus only works against a specific virus or group of viruses. | One type of antibiotic can kill many types of bacteria. |
| Usage | It does not work at all for bacterial infections (e.g. strep throat). | It does not work at all for viral infections (e.g. colds, COVID-19). |
Antivirals are sometimes life-saving medications. Sometimes you only need them for a short period of time. But someone living with a chronic condition like HIV may need to take them for the rest of their life. Whatever the reason, if you have any questions about your condition, your medication, or any side effects, don't hesitate to talk to your doctor.
Take-Home Message
- Antivirals are a type of medicine that is only given to treat viral infections . They do not work against bacteria.
- This medicine should only be used as prescribed by a doctor . Do not use it at your own discretion.
- Take the full dose of medicine prescribed by your doctor for the full duration. Even if you experience side effects, do not stop taking the medicine without medical advice .
- Antivirals and antibiotics are two completely different types of medicines .
- If you have any questions about your medication or medical condition, talk to your doctor .
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