Antiviral medication prescriptions available online

Antiviral medications are designed to prevent and treat viral infections. They are often prescribed to help treat influenza, COVID-19, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and other viruses. They may also be prescribed in some circumstances to help prevent viral infections, such as influenza or human immunodeficiency virus (HIV).

What antivirals treat

Antiviral medicines are designed to fight off harmful viruses and reduce the severity of symptoms. Antivirals also lower the risk of spreading a viral infection to others. They are ineffective against bacterial infections.

Viruses commonly treated with antiviral therapy include flu viruses such as influenza A or B, H1N1 swine flu, or Avian flu, as well as herpes, HIV, and COVID-19.

The most common condition treated with antivirals is influenza, also known as the flu. Antivirals do not entirely eliminate flu symptoms, but they can reduce the severity of symptoms. People who are mildly ill or have little risk factors for developing complications usually do not need to take an antiviral agent.

The CDC recommends prompt treatment for people who have the flu or suspected flu. Those with conditions such as asthma, diabetes, heart disease, and kidney disease are at higher risk of developing flu complications. Children and adults can take influenza antiviral drugs.

Covid medications, such as Paxlovid, are used to treat patients at high risk of developing severe symptoms or complications from COVID-19. Paxlovid is administered twice daily for five days as soon as possible after a COVID-19 diagnosis. This antiviral can help treat mild to moderate cases of COVID-19.

Herpes antivirals and HIV antivirals slow the replication and growth of these viruses in the body. Although they will not cure these conditions, these antivirals can reduce symptoms and prevent the diseases from progressing further.