Viruses are infectious agents that penetrate into healthy cells and multiply there. A virus attacks a cell by attaching itself to the outside of the healthy cell. This allows the virus membrane to fuse with the cell membrane and the virus to introduce its genetic material into the cell.
When a virus multiplies in the cell, it can lie dormant there for a long time, or be released immediately and infect other healthy cells.
Many diseases are caused by viruses, as flu, chicken-pox, hepatitis and HIV. They have various symptoms, such as fever and weakness, or are not accompanied by any symptoms at all. The prospect of recovery depends on the type of virus. Viruses can cause damage and can be deadly if left unchecked.
Virus inhibitors block the infection process. Depending on the virus and agent, blocking the infection can occur in many different locations.
One virus inhibitor prevents the virus from fusing with the healthy cell by blocking a receptor that helps the virus bind to the cell. If that fusion is prevented, the viruses cannot penetrate into cells.
Sometimes multiple medications are used to treat a particular infection. If more than one viral process is disrupted, the chances of recovery from the infection are increased.
While some viral infections such as hepatitis and HIV are not completely curable, the patient’s health can be restored by controlling the virus and preventing further damage to the body. Always consult a doctor before starting a virus therapy or if you want to change your current therapy.
