Which statement regarding antiviral medications is true?

The statement that antivirals do not eliminate existing viruses from tissues is accurate because antiviral medications primarily focus on inhibiting the replication and spread of viruses rather than completely eradicating them from the body. This is particularly important in chronic viral infections, where the virus can remain in host cells in a dormant state, making complete clearance difficult. Many antiviral agents work by blocking viral enzymes or preventing the virus from entering healthy cells, which helps to control the infection and minimize symptoms rather than eliminate the virus entirely.

In contrast, the other statements suggest attributes of antiviral medications that are less universal or incorrect. For instance, while antivirals generally have a better safety profile than many other medications, it is not accurate to say they present a low risk for toxicity in all cases. Certain antiviral drugs can have significant side effects and require careful monitoring. The claim that most antivirals temporarily increase viral replication is not consistent with the primary action of these drugs, which is to reduce viral load. Finally, it is not true that the protection provided by antivirals lasts for several weeks after discontinuation; their effects are typically only present while the medication is actively being taken. Hence, the correct answer highlights a fundamental characteristic of antivirals in their role and effectiveness