0
Most antiviral drugs must be started within 40 - 48 hours of the first signs of the flu for most efficacy. These drugs reduce the severity and duration of the symptoms, but do not actually "cure" the flu, that job must be done by your immune system.
There are two types of of antiviral agents, the first one is the adamantanes, such as amantadine (Symmetrel®) and rimantadine (Flumadine®). Adamantanes are useful only for influenza type A infections. The second type of antiviral agents are the neuraminidase inhibitors, such as zanamivir (Relenza®) and oseltamivir (Tamiflu®, 1999).
Approximately 80% of the circulating strains of flu viruses typical in a flu season are influenza type A virus H1N1. These types can be treated with adamantanes and zanamivir, but are resistant and cannot be treated with oseltamavir. Sometimes many of the circulating strains can be resistant to antivirals, but usually one type will work. The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) provides information each year about the expected strains of flu coming in the next season and which antiviral drugs will be best to treat them.
Influenza type A virus H3N2 strains can be treated with oseltamavir and zanamivir, but are resistant to adamantanes.
As for influenza type B strains, they can be treated with oseltamavir, zanamivir; but are resistant, and cannot be treated with adamantanes.
In addition, for unvaccinated patients the recommended drug for influenza B exposure is oseltamivir, and the recommended drug for influenza A exposure or unknown subtype are zanamivir OR oseltamivir + rimantadine.
Wiki User
∙ 11y ago
Wiki User
∙ 14y agoYes, antiviral medicines can be used for virus infections of the respiratory tract, however, there is a window of opportunity that can be missed and then the anti-viral medicines may not be as effective; they are recommended for best use within two days of the first symptoms.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoSince influenza is a viral infection, antibiotics are useless in treating it. However, antibiotics are frequently used to treat secondary infections. Over-the-counter medications are used to treat flu symptoms, but it is not necessary to purchase.
Wiki User
∙ 13y agoAmantadine (Symmetrel), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), rimantidine (Flumadine), and zanamivir (Relenza) are useful in treatment of influenza virus.
Add your answer:
Earn +20 pts
What is an antiviral drug?
An antiviral drug is a medication used to treat viral infections by either inhibiting the virus from replicating in the body or boosting the body’s immune response to fight off the virus. These drugs are specific to certain viruses and can help reduce symptoms, shorten the duration of the illness, and prevent complications.
What is respiratory syncytial virus infection?
a virus that can cause severe lower respiratory infections in children under the age of two, and milder upper respiratory infections in older children and adults.
Palivizumab is used to treat respiratory syncytial virus disease the antiviral drug is?
monoclonal-antibody
What is the treatment for cold sores?
There is no cure for herpes virus infections. There are antiviral drugs available that have some effect on lessening the symptoms.Acyclovir(Zovirax) is the drug of choice.Vitamin and mineral supplements and diet may have an effect.
How many antiviral drugs are available?
Exclusive of the antiretroviral agents used in HIV (AIDS) therapy, there are currently only 11 antiviral drugs available, covering four types of virus.
What is respiratory adenovirus?
An adenovirus is a virus of the family Adenoviridae, many of which are responsible for respiratory infections in humans.
Is there any medicines for virus dieseases?
Yes there are plenty of drugs that treat viral infections or diseases. Tamiflu is generally used in viral infections. Valtrex is used to treat herpes and Zovirax in viral cold sores. There are plenty of antiretroviral drugs and all HIV medications are antiviral. There are many other drugs available, ask your pharmacist for more details or help.
What is a respiratory disorder in which a bacteria or virus grows in the lungs?
Pneumonia, pleurisy or bronchitis can be the result of respiration infections by a virus or bacteria.
What technological advances has improved flu vaccines?
The correct answer is virus strains multiplied in cell culture!!! Not blood typing or antiviral drugs or sonograms!!
How antiviral drugs work?
The drug gives the patient a weakened form of the virus. The body's immune system 'learns' what the virus is and produces anti-bodies to fight the infection. The anti-bodies remain in the patient's bloodstream - ready to fight the full-blown disease, should they catch it in later life.
What does rsv stand for in rsv virus?
RSV stands for respiratory syncytial virus, the most frequent cause of serious respiratory tract infections in infants and children younger than 4 years of age. RSV causes nasal stuffiness and discharge, cough, and sometimes ear infections.
Which can be cured virus or bacteria?
Antibiotics can cure almost all bacterial infections. There are a few drugs that can treat viral infections. Many viral infections can be prevented by vaccinations. Many viral infections do not have a cure.
