Antiviral Drugs

This set of flashcards covers key terms and concepts related to viral diseases and their treatments, including antivirals, vaccines, and other relevant medical terminology.

Nucleoprotein

A complex of nucleic acids and proteins; found in viruses.

Antiviral Therapy

Treatment that suppresses viral replication but does not kill viruses.

Neuraminidase

An enzyme that helps influenza viruses spread from infected cells.

Virustatic

Describes drugs that suppress viral replication without killing the virus.

Influenza Vaccine

A vaccine that provides immunization against influenza viruses.

Post-Exposure Prophylaxis (PEP)

Emergency treatment to prevent HIV after potential exposure.

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)

Medications that directly target virus replication to treat Hepatitis C.

Chronic Hepatitis B

A long-term infection with Hepatitis B virus, lasting more than 6 months.

ART (Antiretroviral Therapy)

Treatment for HIV that requires lifelong adherence and suppresses viral load.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

A preventive treatment for individuals at high risk of HIV infection.

Zanamivir

An inhaled antiviral medication used to treat influenza.

Oseltamivir

An oral antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza.

Integrase Inhibitors

A class of antiviral drugs that block integration of viral DNA into host DNA.

Antigenic Drift

The process by which influenza viruses mutate and change over time.

CD4 T cells

A type of immune cell that HIV targets for infection.

Immunocompromised

A state where the immune system is weakened, making one more susceptible to infections.

Cirrhosis

Severe scarring of the liver often resulting from chronic liver disease.

Hemagglutinin

A protein on the surface of influenza viruses involved in binding to host cells.

Hepatocellular carcinoma

A type of liver cancer associated with chronic liver disease and hepatitis.

Sustained Virologic Response (SVR)

The absence of detectable virus after treatment for Hepatitis C.

Viral Load

The amount of virus present in the bloodstream.

Vaccination

The administration of a vaccine to stimulate the immune response.

Zanamivir

An inhaled antiviral medication used to treat influenza. Important side effects include bronchospasm, especially in patients with asthma or COPD.

Oseltamivir

An oral antiviral used to treat and prevent influenza. Common side effects may include nausea, vomiting, and headache.

Direct-acting antivirals (DAAs)

Medications that directly target virus replication to treat Hepatitis C. Potential side effects include fatigue and headache; rare adverse effects may include liver problems.

Integrase Inhibitors

A class of antiviral drugs that block the integration of viral DNA into host DNA. Common side effects can include insomnia and headache; rare adverse effects may include allergic reactions.

Antiretroviral Therapy (ART)

Treatment for HIV that requires lifelong adherence and suppresses viral load. Side effects can include fatigue, diarrhea, and nausea, with potential long-term effects on kidney and bone health.

PrEP (Pre-Exposure Prophylaxis)

A preventive treatment for individuals at high risk of HIV infection. Common side effects include nausea and headaches; rare adverse effects may include kidney problems.