How do antiviral agents affect viral load in an infected individual?

Antiviral agents are designed to impede the replication and spread of viruses within an infected individual. When these agents are administered, they target specific aspects of the viral life cycle, leading to a decrease in viral replication. As a result, the overall amount of virus present in the body, referred to as the viral load, is significantly reduced. This reduction helps the immune system more effectively control or resolve the infection, as it can focus its efforts on eliminating fewer viral particles.

While some antiviral therapies can be very effective, they do not typically eliminate all viruses from the body, as some viruses can establish latency or hide in reservoirs where the drugs may not have access. Hence, the notion that antiviral agents might increase viral load or have no effect on it does not accurately reflect their intended purpose or mechanism of action. Thus, the primary function of antiviral agents in managing viral infections is to lower viral load, facilitating a better outcome for the patient.