Which condition is primarily treated with anti-viral medications?

Anti-viral medications are specifically designed to target viruses, which is why viral infections are primarily treated with these types of drugs. These medications work by inhibiting the ability of the virus to replicate and spread within the body, thereby aiding the immune system in controlling and eliminating the infection. Examples of viral infections treated with anti-virals include influenza, HIV, herpes simplex virus (HSV), and hepatitis C.

In contrast, bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics, which are effective against bacteria but not viruses. Inflammation may be treated with anti-inflammatory medications or corticosteroids, depending on the underlying cause. Chronic pain typically requires a different approach, including pain management strategies that may involve analgesics or nerve blocks, but not anti-viral medications. This distinction highlights the specific role that anti-viral medications play in managing conditions caused by viruses.