What is a common side effect of antiviral therapies?

Fatigue and malaise are common side effects of antiviral therapies due to the impact these medications can have on the body's systems. Many antiviral agents work by inhibiting viral replication, which can sometimes provoke an immune response. This immune response contributes to feelings of fatigue and general malaise as the body expends energy fighting off the virus and managing the effects of the medication. Patients often report feeling tired or unwell during the course of antiviral treatment, which is a normal reaction as the body adjusts to both the viral infection and the therapy administered.

In contrast, other options like increased energy levels, enhanced appetite, and improved mental clarity are not typical effects associated with antiviral medications. Instead, patients might experience a decrease in energy and appetite as their body copes with the medication's effects and possibly the underlying viral infection.