Antivirals and Treatment of common viral infections

Question 1

What is aciclovir?

Answer 1

• Anti-herpesvirus drug, tried and trusted due in most part to its high selective toxicity
• Typically used to treat or prevent HSV1 HSV2 VZV infection
• Few side effects (accumulation causes neurotoxicity, and maintain hydration/dose adjust in renal dysfunction)

Question 2

If a person who has never caught chicken pox touches shingles, what will they develop?

Answer 2

primary chicken pox

Question 3

Why will someone who has never caught chicken pox not catch shingles?

Answer 3

Can only catch shingles from virus you have had before

Question 4

Who will have complications for chicken pox?

Answer 4

• Secondary bacterial infection (Group A Strep)
• Encephalitis/pneumonitis/ stroke
• Babies under 4 weeks old/adults/immunocompromised/pregnant at greatest risk
• Adverse effects on foetus before first 20 weeks of pregnancy