- A virus is a micro-organism that requires a living host cell to provide the circumstances to grow and reproduce. Viruses are responsible for a number of infections and illnesses, ranging from the common cold to acquired immunodeficiency syndrome—or AIDS. Because it requires another organism to reproduce, a virus is a parasite. Antiviral treatments are used to kill viruses or stop them from reproducing.
- Antiviral proteins are proteins naturally created by the bodies of humans and animals. They are triggered by interferon, a protein created by virus-infected cells, that interferes with viral reproduction. Antiviral proteins are created naturally and are not usually artificially produced. However, some interferons are artificially produced in order to combat some viruses.
- Antiviral herbs are herbs that are used to help prevent viral infection, or combat the symptoms of a virus. They usually do this by encouraging the production of antiviral proteins. Some antiviral herbs are garlic, peppermint and juniper. Echinacea is the most popular general antiviral herbal remedy. It is usually taken in six-week cycles—meaning that it is taken for six weeks and then not taken for six weeks.
- Antiviral drugs are medications used to stop viruses from growing and multiplying. Viruses often mutate when they reproduce, and different viruses require different antiviral drugs to treat them. For this reason, antiviral medications often change year by year. Vidarabine is used to treat the herpes virus and saquinavir, ritonavir, indinavir and nelfinavir are used to combat HIV. While most interferons are naturally produced, artificial interferons are used to induce antiviral proteins to combat the hepatitis A and B virus strains.
- Antiviral medications require a prescription. If you are suffering from a virus contact your doctor to discuss the best treatment method.
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