For viral infectious diseases, virostatics are mostly used in therapy. Unlike bacterial infections, antibiotics cannot be used for viral infections.
What are antivirals?
Basically, the use of so-called virostatics is intended to prevent the multiplication of harmful viruses within the human body. In modern medicine, the so-called virostatics represent a special group of drugs. In principle, the use of so-called virostatics is intended to prevent the multiplication of harmful viruses within the human body. However, due to their side effects, the antivirals available on the market are only used if the human body cannot fight the virus on its own. Since most types of viruses are mutating viruses, a so-called resistance of the viruses to the active substance used can occur. As a result, in most cases a sometimes life-threatening situation develops for those affected.
Application, effect and use
The respective antivirals are used for a variety of diseases. However, in the course of therapy with a virostatic agent, the existing viruses are not killed. Rather, the use of a virostatic agent is intended to prevent the existing viruses from multiplying. The multiplication of the viruses usually takes place in the so-called host cells. Since the already known viruses do not have their own metabolism, they penetrate the cells of the human body. The metabolism present in the cells serves the viruses to survive. A virostatic agent intervenes significantly in the cycle of the viruses as part of the therapy. In this way, the respective active ingredients have an inhibitory effect on the viruses’ ability to bind. The viruses therefore no longer have a chance to bind to the existing host cells. At the same time, however, there are also preparations that prevent the viruses from penetrating the host cells. As a result of medical progress, diseases such as AIDS can be treated. It is not uncommon for the outbreak of the disease to be significantly delayed by optimally coordinated therapy. However, modern antivirals are not only used to treat AIDS. For example, diseases such as influenza are treated with a virostatic agent.
Herbal, natural, and pharmaceutical antivirals.
In current medical practice, natural preparations, among others, have asserted themselves alongside chemical preparations. Among the so-called antiviral herbs are oregano, as well as echinacea and garlic. But also herbs such as elderberry are said to have a healing effect. The respective herbs primarily have a positive effect on the immune system. As a result of an increased production of white blood cells, the human body can actively fight the existing viruses. Patients who are ill with influenza, for example, can use green tea for therapy. The natural active ingredients are often sold as homeopathic antivirals. Severe diseases usually require therapy with a chemical preparation. However, the use of a pharmaceutical antiviral is associated with severe risks and side effects in most cases.
Risks and side effects
Severe risks and side effects may occur as part of therapy with a virostatic drug. Among the known side effects are symptoms such as dizziness or nausea. It is not uncommon for those affected to complain of severe inner restlessness as well as a high degree of nervousness. This can result in severe sleep disturbances. Since the ability to concentrate often decreases noticeably during treatment with antivirals, operating machines and driving vehicles is strictly prohibited in most cases. Above all, the chemical preparations not infrequently affect the cells of the human body. In addition to a general lassitude, a particularly high fever may occur. If left untreated, the fever can lead to a life-threatening situation for those affected. Very rarely, clinical monitoring is required as part of therapy with a virostatic agent. This measure is primarily intended to prevent life-threatening renal failure.Women who are breastfeeding should only take antivirals after prior consultation with their doctor. The risk of possible transfer of individual active ingredients of antivirals into breast milk is considered relatively high by leading physicians.
