Why can't you kill viruses inside you?

Answer 1

The reason lies in the nature of the pathogens themselves. Bacteria are living organisms that, multiplying unchecked, damage bodily tissue. They can be destroyed by cutting off their life-support systems. Antibiotics defeat bacterial infections by attacking enzymes within the bacteria, allowing the body's immune system to mop them up. Viruses, however, are parasites incapable of reproducing on their own. They're inactive that is, until they burrow into a host cell, taking over its functions in order to replicate and thereby destroying the host. Inside the body, they become vulnerable to drugs only after they invade a cell, but any treatment may damage the cell as well. And even when scientists develop an effective vaccine or antiviral agent, viruses can suddenly mutate potentially becoming deadlier and even tougher to eliminate.

A virus's worst enemy is the human immune system. When an unknown pathogen like the new coronavirus invades, the body naturally develops antibodies that can seek out and destroy the interloper. The process takes time, however, and sometimes the system doesn't react fast enough. Science can help with vaccines, which prep the body to recognize and produce antibodies against a particular attacker, such as polio. A vaccine for SARS is under development, but even the most optimistic researchers say it may take more than a year to come up with one that works.

Answer 2

Viruses reproduce by hijacking host cells' machinery. Since they are not alive themselves, there is no straightforward way to kill them like you would bacteria. Your immune system can target and eliminate viruses over time.