Acyclovir is primarily used to treat which type of infection?

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is primarily used to treat infections caused by certain types of viruses, most notably the herpes simplex viruses (HSV) and varicella-zoster virus (VZV), which causes herpes zoster (shingles). Its mechanism of action involves inhibiting viral DNA synthesis, effectively reducing the replication of the virus and alleviating symptoms associated with herpes infections.

In the context of herpes zoster, acyclovir can help reduce the severity and duration of the infection, lessen the incidence of complications like postherpetic neuralgia, and promote quicker healing of lesions. This makes it the medication of choice for managing herpes zoster, as opposed to other options listed such as influenza, hepatitis A, or respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), for which acyclovir is not an effective treatment.