Viral illnesses are common in children. Most viruses cause benign, self-resolving and brief illnesses that require only supportive therapy with fluids, and pain and fever control measures. A small group of medicines have been developed for use in children with specific viral illnesses. But antiviral drugs are difficult to produce, mostly because viruses use the body's cells to replicate.
Antivirals for the Influenza Virus
According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, antiviral drugs for the influenza virus work by preventing the virus from replicating in the body. These antiviral drugs must be started as soon as symptoms of the flu begin for them to produce their maximum benefit. Early treatment can decrease the severity of the symptoms and may reduce the risk of complications from the influenza virus. Some studies also suggest that antiviral drugs for the flu can decrease the chances of hospitalization and emergency room visits. The antiviral medicines for the flu are oseltamivir, zanamivir, amantadine and rimantidine. The CDC recommends these medicines for those at higher risk for developing complications from the flu, such as children with chronic lung conditions.
Antivirals for Herpes
Herpes simplex is a virus that causes cold sores and genital lesions in older children and adults. Transmission of the virus requires direct contact with the lesions. The main antiviral for herpes is a medicine called acyclovir. According to the PubMed Health, a service of the National Institutes of Health, acyclovir does not cure herpes infection but prevents the virus from spreading in the body. Acyclovir is the treatment of choice for newborns with herpes encephalitis, a dangerous infection of the brain that can occur if the infant comes into contact with genital herpes lesions during vaginal delivery.
Antivirals for HIV
The antiviral drugs for HIV are part of the cocktail of medicines for the treatment of HIV and AIDS in children. The specific drugs, called antiretrovirals, prevent the replication of the HIV virus inside the human cells. The American Academy of Pediatrics recommends the use of antiretrovirals in HIV-infected infants regardless of symptoms and in children 1 year of age and older with AIDS or significant HIV-related complications.
