Antiviral Treatments.
Most viral respiratory tract infections are caused by classic respiratory viruses, including influenza, respiratory syncytial virus, human metapneumovirus, parainfluenza, rhinovirus, and adenovirus, whereas other viruses, such as herpes simplex, cytomegalovirus, and measles virus, can opportunistically affect the respiratory tract. The M2 inhibitors, amantadine and rimantadine, were historically effective for the prevention and treatment of influenza A but all circulating strains are currently resistant to these drugs. Neuraminidase inhibitors are the sole approved class of antivirals to treat influenza. Ribavirin, especially when combined with intravenous antibody, reduces morbidity and mortality among immunosuppressed patients.
Division of Infectious Diseases, Northwestern University Feinberg School of Medicine, 645 North Michigan Avenue Suite 900, Chicago, IL 60611, USA. Electronic address: mgison@northwestern.edu.
Michael G
MG
Ison
D000998:Antiviral Agents / Q000008:administration & dosage / Q000627:therapeutic use*; D006801:Humans; D007251:Influenza, Human / Q000188:drug therapy*; D012136:Respiratory Syncytial Viruses / Q000187:drug effects* / Q000472:pathogenicity; D012141:Respiratory Tract Infections / Q000188:drug therapy* / Q000473:pathology
D000998:Antiviral Agents
Influenza; Neuraminidase inhibitor; Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV); Respiratory virus; Ribavirin