Antivirals are a class of medications that are much helpful in treating viral infections. Most viral infections or diseases cure spontaneously in immune competent individuals. The main focus of antiviral medication is to reduce symptoms and infectivity as well as to shorten the duration of illness. These medications function by arresting the viral replication cycle at various levels. Currently, antiviral medication is available only for a limited number of infections. A number of the antiviral medications presently available help to cure infections due to herpes viruses, HIV hepatitis B and C viruses, and influenza A and B viruses. Because viruses are obligate intracellular parasites, it is difficult to find medication targets that interfere with viral replication without also harming the host tissues or cells. Unlike other antimicrobials, antiviral medications do not prevent or eradicate the microbe (in this case, the virus) but work by inhibiting replication. In this pattern, they prevent or stop the viral load from increasing to a point where it could cause pathogenesis, allowing the body’s innate immune system to neutralize the virus.
