Dorothy FarrarVirus statistics (Virustaticum)
Virustatika (Virustatikum) , also written virostatics, are substances with which the multiplication of viruses can be stopped. They are very often used for infectious diseases caused by viruses.
What are antivirals?
Viruses are very small structures whose genetic information is protected by a capsid – a protein coat. Some viruses also have an envelope. When viruses multiply, they invade what are called host cells and abuse the material in these cells. The host cells are recognized by special receptors. They then attach themselves to the cell surface and then release the viral genetic information inside the cell. In addition, they control cell metabolism and multiply. When the virus is released, the host cells are either damaged or die.
Some viruses can also incorporate their genetic material into the host cell or store it in the nucleus of the cell for a longer period of time. Since viruses do not have their own metabolism, it is often very difficult to treat viral infectious diseases . Sometimes no therapy is required because infections caused by viruses often heal spontaneously. If the patient’s immune system is not able to do this, antiviral drugs are administered. These have a virustatic effect, which can prevent the virus from multiplying.
Effect and medical application
With the help of antivirals, viruses are not fought directly, but suppressed in their reproduction. Viruses cannot multiply themselves like bacteria, but need host cells. Antiviral drugs are used in HIV therapy, allowing those affected to lead a relatively normal life. Compared to untreated patients, the survival time is significantly increased. Furthermore, antivirals are also administered against herpes viruses or for shingles or chickenpox .
Virustatics are also used in addition to vaccinations. Since influenza viruses mutate very quickly, new vaccines are constantly needed. In risk groups, the course of the disease can be eased with the help of antiviral drugs if the vaccine is administered too late. The risk groups include children, pregnant women , patients with a weak immune system or people suffering from chronic diseases. The procedure is similar for hepatitis diseases, so that severe liver damage can be minimized. Antivirals also reduce the severity and duration of the so-called herpes simplex disease, which is incurable.
shapes and groups
Depending on the stage of propagation, antivirals have different points of attack. In this way, they prevent the virus from docking onto the cell membrane of the host, the virus from penetrating the host cell and releasing the genome and capsid from the virus envelope.
In addition, antivirals inhibit the synthesis of viral proteins and nucleic acids, the assembly of viral components into a new virus and the release of new viruses from the host.
Depending on the stage, different groups of active ingredients can therefore be distinguished. These include:
- entry inhibitors
- penetration inhibitors
- DNA polymerase inhibitors
- DNA/RNA polymerase inhibitors
- reverse transcriptase inhibitors
- Inosinmonophosphat-Dehydrogenase-Hemmer
- protease inhibitors
- integrase inhibitors
- Antisense-Oligonukleotide
- recombinases
- Helicase Primase Inhibitors
- Alisporivir
- maturation inhibitors
- terminase inhibitors
- Neuraminidase Inhibitors
dosage
Virustatics are taken orally in the form of tablets with sufficient water. The dose varies depending on tolerability and the severity of the disease. Some of the antivirals are also suitable for local use and are prescribed as an ointment for herpes, for example.
Herbal, natural and pharmaceutical alternatives
In addition to chemical substances, natural preparations are also used in practice. These include, for example, garlic , echinacea and oregano . Elderberry has a similar effect . The herbs have a positive effect on the immune system, as the production of white blood cells is increased, which can fight viruses. In the case of herpes infections, lemon balm can also accelerate healing.
Lemon balm is available as a cream and is applied to the affected skin several times a day. Zinc can also be used to help with herpes, and those affected should only take it in low concentrations. Other non-prescription active ingredients that can also be used preventively are vitamin C and essential oils such as tea tree oil . However, there are no studies available on these possible uses. The natural preparations are usually available as homeopathic antivirals. In the case of serious illnesses, however, chemical preparations are normally used, although a wide variety of side effects can also occur here.
Interactions and side effects
When taking antiviral drugs, patients may suffer from nausea or dizziness . In addition, some of those affected also complain about inner restlessness and nervousness or sleep disorders . Since the concentration decreases as a result of treatment with antivirals, driving a car or operating machines is not permitted. Since the chemical preparations also affect the body’s cells, high fever can also occur under certain circumstances.
For women who are breastfeeding, it is only recommended to take it after consulting a doctor. There is also a risk of resistance developing, so antivirals should not be used on a large scale. In addition, it is recommended not to take a drug for a long time. If this cannot be avoided (as with HIV , for example ), various antivirals are combined with one another, which can prevent resistant germs from forming.
Hello and welcome to my Health Guide & Encyclopedia! My name is Dorothy Farrar, and I'm the founder and main author of this platform.
My passion for health and wellness started at a young age when I became interested in the connection between the food we eat and the way we feel. This fascination led me to study nutrition and dietetics in college, where I learned about the importance of a balanced diet and the impact of various nutrients on the body.