![]() The most widely known retrovirus, human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), is responsible for AIDS. Other medicines, called antiretroviral drugs, are used to combat infections caused by a particular type of virus called a retrovirus. Ribavirin and interferon are antiviral drugs sometimes prescribed for adults who develop chronic hepatitis. Unlike broad-spectrum antibiotics, which are often useful against a wide range of bacterial organisms, antiviral medicines tend to be more specific and attack particular viruses. Here are a few examples of antiviral drugs sometimes prescribed for children. Your pediatrician will be able to tell you when prescription antiviral drugs may be needed. These medicines aren’t appropriate for all viral infections-if your child has the common cold, for instance, simply let it run its course. ![]() They are made to prevent infection or shorten the duration of infections by preventing the virus from spreading, although they may not kill viruses that already exist. Because immunizations are available to protect your child against some viral infections (eg, chickenpox, polio), make sure she is fully protected by all the vaccines recommended by the American Academy of Pediatrics.Īntiviral drugs are relatively recent developments, but an increasing number of these virus-fighting drugs are now available. Viruses also can cause more serious illnesses such as acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS), hepatitis, and rabies. Many viral infections affect the respiratory tract, which includes the nose, throat, and breathing passages where they can cause the common cold, the flu, a sore throat, and sinusitis. Antiviral MedicinesĮvery child gets a viral illness from time to time. At the same time, inappropriately used medicines can contribute to the growing problem of antibiotic resistance. They can actually add risks because of the possible side effects that all medicines have. For illnesses caused by other kinds of germs, antibacterials simply will not help your child get better. Remember, as important as antibacterials are, they are useful only against infections caused by bacteria.
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