Return to Mayo Clinic Q&A

How do antiviral drugs work?

By Jennifer O'Hara • October 7, 2020
research laboratory microscope and medicine vials

How do antiviral drugs work?
October 7, 2020

Antiviral drugs are medicines that fight against viruses in your body by impeding the infection process. Antivirals are commonly used to treat HIV/AIDS, influenza, herpes, and hepatitis B and C. The antiviral, Remdesivir, which was originally developed to fight Ebola, is now being used to treat  COVID-19. 

On the Mayo Clinic Q&A podcast, Dr. Gregory Poland, an infectious diseases expert and head of Mayo Clinic's Vaccine Research Group, explains how antivirals work to shorten the course of the disease.

Research disclosures for Dr. Gregory Poland.

Related Episodes
Advancing treatments for acute myeloid leukemia

Advancing treatments for acute myeloid leukemiaDecember 20, 2022 Acute myeloid leukemia (AML), also called acute myelogenous leukemia, is a cancer of the blood and bone marrow,[...]

By Jennifer O'Hara • December 20, 2022
Tips for living younger, longer by preventing disease

Tips for living younger, longer by preventing diseaseDecember 16, 2022 While we know that health affects longevity and quality of life, it can be difficult[...]

By Jennifer O'Hara • December 16, 2022
Understanding pituitary tumors

Understanding pituitary tumorsDecember 13, 2022 Pituitary tumors are abnormal growths that develop in your pituitary gland. Pituitary tumors can cause too much or too little of[...]

By Jennifer O'Hara • December 13, 2022