antivirals Flashcards
1
Q
what are antivirals?
A
drugs used specifically for treating VIRAL infections
2
Q
how do antivirals work?
A
by preventing entry of the virus into the host cell
by interferring with their replication
3
Q
why is it difficult to find effective antivirals?
A
- viruses are not alive = hard to kill
- replicate by hijacking the machinery of cell they infect
- some viruses can also remain dormant in body without replicating
- viruses replicate rapidly = rise in mutation = resitance to drugs
