Anti Viral

Antiviral Medicines for Flu, Herpes, HIV and Hepatitis

Antiviral medicines are used to manage infections caused by specific viruses. They are not interchangeable: a medicine used for influenza may not be suitable for herpes, HIV or viral hepatitis.

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The right antiviral treatment depends on the virus, symptoms, medical history and overall health of the patient. Some treatments are used for short-term infections, while others help control long-term viral conditions. Prescription antiviral medicines should always be used under the guidance of a qualified healthcare professional.

What Are Antiviral Medicines?​

Antiviral medicines are designed to interfere with the way specific viruses multiply inside the body. Depending on the infection, treatment may help reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of illness, control the virus or lower the risk of serious complications.

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Antiviral medicines are different from antibiotics. Antibiotics treat certain bacterial infections and do not work against viruses. There is also no single antiviral medicine that can treat every type of viral infection.

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A correct diagnosis is important because similar symptoms may be caused by different conditions. For example, flu symptoms can sometimes overlap with other problems covered under respiratory care medicines.

How Do Antiviral Medicines Work?​

Viruses enter human cells and use those cells to make more copies of themselves. Antiviral medicines target particular stages of that process.

Depending on the medicine and virus, an antiviral treatment may:

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• Make it more difficult for a virus to enter healthy cells

• Reduce the virus’s ability to reproduce

• Lower the amount of virus present in the body

• Help reduce the severity or duration of symptoms

• Support the immune system by keeping the infection under control

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Antiviral medicines do not all work in the same way. This is why one antiviral medicine should never be substituted for another without professional medical advice.​

Common Conditions Treated with Antiviral Medicines

Influenza and Flu Antiviral Treatment

Influenza is a contagious respiratory infection caused by influenza viruses. Prescription antiviral medicines may be recommended for some people with confirmed or suspected flu.

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Flu antivirals generally provide the greatest benefit when treatment begins soon after symptoms appear. However, starting treatment later may still be helpful for people who are hospitalized, seriously ill or at increased risk of complications.

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The CDC guidance on flu antiviral treatment explains when these medicines may be considered and why early medical advice is important.

Flu antiviral medicines do not treat the common cold and should not be used as a replacement for annual flu vaccination.

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Herpes Simplex and Shingles Treatment

Herpes simplex virus can cause oral herpes or genital herpes. Herpes zoster is the virus responsible for shingles. Antiviral medicines may be prescribed to manage symptoms, shorten an outbreak or reduce the frequency of recurring episodes.

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These medicines can help control the infection, but they do not permanently remove the herpes virus from the body. Treatment decisions may depend on whether it is a first episode, a recurring outbreak or long-term suppressive therapy.

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The CDC genital herpes treatment guidance provides detailed information about diagnosis, antiviral treatment and ongoing management.

People who are pregnant, have kidney problems or have a weakened immune system should speak with a healthcare professional before beginning treatment.

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HIV and Antiretroviral Therapy

HIV is treated using antiretroviral therapy, commonly called ART. This treatment normally involves a carefully selected combination of HIV medicines rather than one medicine used by itself.

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Regular treatment helps reduce the amount of HIV in the body, protects the immune system and reduces the risk of HIV-related complications. The treatment combination must be selected according to the patient’s test results, health history and possible medicine interactions.

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Patients can review general information about HIV medicines and antiretroviral therapy within the related category.

The NIH guide to HIV treatment explains why treatment should begin promptly after diagnosis and why medicines must be taken according to the prescribed schedule.

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HIV treatment should always be managed by a qualified healthcare professional. Patients should not start, stop or combine HIV medicines themselves.

Hepatitis B and Hepatitis C Treatment

Hepatitis B and hepatitis C are viral infections that affect the liver, but they require different treatment approaches.

Chronic hepatitis B may be managed with antiviral medicines that help control the virus and reduce the risk of liver damage. Hepatitis C is treated using specific direct-acting antiviral combinations selected after testing.

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The World Health Organization provides separate medical information about hepatitis B treatment and hepatitis C treatment.

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Blood tests and professional assessment are necessary to identify the type of hepatitis and determine whether treatment is required. A medicine should not be selected based only on symptoms.

How Is the Right Antiviral Treatment Selected?​

Healthcare professionals consider several factors before recommending an antiviral medicine:

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• The specific virus or infection

• The severity and duration of symptoms

• The patient’s age

• Kidney and liver health

• Pregnancy or breastfeeding

• Existing health conditions

• Other medicines and supplements

• Previous allergies or side effects

• Possible antiviral drug resistance

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Different strengths of the same medicine may be prescribed for different infections or patients. A higher strength is not automatically more effective or more appropriate.

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People looking for other treatment areas can use the medicine categories by health condition to understand how different medicines are organized.

Using Antiviral Medicines Safely​

Antiviral medicines should be taken exactly as prescribed. Patients should follow the recommended dose, timing and treatment duration.

Important safety steps include:

• Do not use another person’s prescription.

• Do not change the dose without medical advice.

• Do not combine antiviral medicines unless instructed.

• Inform the prescriber about other medicines and supplements.

• Check whether monitoring or blood tests are required.

• Do not stop long-term HIV or hepatitis treatment suddenly.

• Report severe or persistent side effects promptly.

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Seek urgent medical help for difficulty breathing, severe weakness, confusion, dehydration, swelling of the face or throat, or signs of a serious allergic reaction.

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For questions about website information, category navigation or an existing order, use customer support and medicine enquiries. Customer support cannot diagnose an infection or select a treatment for a patient.