From the Guidelines
Treatment for viral infections primarily involves supportive care to manage symptoms while the body's immune system fights the infection, with antiviral medications prescribed for specific infections, such as oseltamivir for influenza, as recommended by the most recent guidelines 1.
Key Considerations
- Rest, increased fluid intake, and over-the-counter medications like acetaminophen or ibuprofen can help reduce fever and alleviate pain.
- Antiviral medications, such as oseltamivir (75mg twice daily for 5 days in adults) for influenza, may be prescribed for specific viral infections.
- Most common viral infections, like colds, many cases of flu, and viral gastroenteritis, will resolve on their own without specific antiviral treatment.
- Completing the full course of any prescribed antivirals is crucial to prevent viral resistance.
- Antibiotics are ineffective against viruses and should not be used unless there's a secondary bacterial infection.
- Practicing good hygiene, including handwashing and covering coughs and sneezes, helps prevent transmission to others.
Specific Treatment Recommendations
- For influenza, oseltamivir (75mg twice daily for 5 days in adults) is recommended, as stated in the guidelines 1.
- For herpes infections, acyclovir (400mg three times daily for 7-10 days) may be prescribed.
- For HIV, various antiretroviral medications are available, and treatment should be guided by the most recent guidelines and expert recommendations 1.
Prevention and Transmission
- Yearly influenza vaccination with inactivated vaccine is recommended for all patients being treated for cancer, as stated in the guidelines 1.
- Hand hygiene and mask use are strongly recommended for prevention of viral transmission, as supported by the evidence 1.
From the FDA Drug Label
The FDA drug label does not answer the question.
From the Research
Treatment for Viral Infections
The treatment for viral infections can vary depending on the type of virus and the severity of the infection.
- For influenza, oseltamivir has been shown to be effective in reducing the duration and severity of symptoms when initiated within 36 hours of symptom onset 2.
- For HIV, antiretroviral therapy (ART) is the primary treatment, and tenofovir is a commonly used nucleotide reverse transcriptase inhibitor 3, 4, 5.
- Studies have also shown that switching to a simplified, single-tablet regimen of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir DF can improve treatment satisfaction and ease of use for HIV-infected patients 4.
- Additionally, the use of statins, such as rosuvastatin, in combination with antiretroviral therapy has been shown to have anti-inflammatory effects and reduce serum levels of inflammatory markers in HIV-infected patients 6.
Viral Shedding and Duration of Illness
- Oseltamivir has been shown to reduce the quantity and duration of viral shedding in patients with influenza A and B 2.
- The duration of illness can also be reduced with oseltamivir treatment, with studies showing a reduction of up to 1.5 days in the duration of symptoms 2.
Patient-Reported Outcomes
- Patient-reported outcomes, such as quality of life and treatment adherence, are important considerations in the treatment of viral infections.
- Studies have shown that switching to a simplified, single-tablet regimen of efavirenz, emtricitabine, and tenofovir DF can improve patient-reported outcomes, including treatment satisfaction and ease of use 4.