What is the primary function of antivirals?

The primary function of antivirals is to inhibit viral replication. Antiviral agents work specifically against viruses by targeting their life cycle, which includes various stages such as entry, replication, assembly, and release of viral particles. By interfering with these processes, antivirals can effectively reduce the viral load in the host, helping to control and manage viral infections.

For instance, certain antivirals may block the viral enzymes necessary for replication or prevent the virus from entering host cells. The goal is to lessen the severity of the viral infection and help the body recover, rather than enhancing immune response or addressing bacterial infections, which are not the focus of antiviral therapy. This focused action on viral replication highlights the unique role of antivirals in treating viral infections. While preventing virus transmission might be a goal of public health measures and vaccines, antivirals primarily function by inhibiting replication, which is crucial in treating individuals already infected with a virus.