Antiviral: meaning, definitions and examples
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antiviral
[ ˌæntɪˈvaɪrəl ]
medical treatment
Antiviral refers to a type of medication or therapy that is effective in treating viral infections. These agents work specifically by inhibiting the development and replication of viruses within the host's cells. Unlike antibiotics, which target bacteria, antivirals are designed to work against viruses, making them essential in managing viral diseases like influenza, HIV, and hepatitis. The effectiveness of antiviral drugs varies depending on the virus and the timing of the treatment.
Synonyms
antiviral agent, antiviral drug, antiviral medication
Examples of usage
- The doctor prescribed an antiviral drug for the flu.
- Antiviral therapies have improved the outlook for patients with HIV.
- He took an antiviral medication to combat the virus.
- Research is ongoing to develop new antiviral agents.
Translations
Translations of the word "antiviral" in other languages:
🇵🇹 antiviral
🇮🇳 विरोधी विषाणु
🇩🇪 Antiviral
🇮🇩 antivirus
🇺🇦 антивірусний
🇵🇱 przeciwwirusowy
🇯🇵 抗ウイルスの
🇫🇷 antiviral
🇪🇸 antiviral
🇹🇷 antiviral
🇰🇷 항바이러스
🇸🇦 مضاد الفيروسات
🇨🇿 antivirový
🇸🇰 antivírusový
🇨🇳 抗病毒的
🇸🇮 antivirusni
🇮🇸 veirufræðilegt
🇰🇿 вирусқа қарсы
🇬🇪 ანტივირუსული
🇦🇿 antiviral
🇲🇽 antiviral
Etymology
The term 'antiviral' was first used in the 1960s as a classification for agents that are designed to counteract viral infections. The prefix 'anti-' comes from Greek, meaning 'against', and 'viral' originates from the Latin 'virus', meaning 'poison' or 'toxin'. As virology advanced as a scientific discipline, particularly in the late 20th century with the identification of various viruses and the development of technologies for studying them, antiviral agents emerged as a critical area of research. Initial antiviral compounds were discovered in the context of treating specific viral infections, such as those caused by the influenza virus and herpes simplex virus. Over the years, the understanding of how viruses operate and replicate in host cells led to the development of targeted antiviral medications. Today, antivirals are an essential component of treatment protocols for various viral illnesses, and ongoing research continues to develop new and more effective antiviral therapies.