What is a true statement about the efficacy of antiviral medications?

The statement regarding the efficacy of antiviral medications highlights that they are primarily effective against a limited range of viral infections. This specificity is due to the unique mechanisms of action that antiviral agents exhibit, which are tailored to target specific viral processes or structures. For example, some antivirals inhibit viral replication, while others may block viral entry into cells.

While it might be tempting to claim a broader application of antiviral drugs, many are only approved for use against select viruses, such as HIV, herpes viruses, influenza, and Hepatitis C. As a result, despite advancements in antiviral therapies, they do not cover the entire spectrum of viral pathogens, which is why acknowledging that they are effective against a small number of infections is essential for understanding their limitations in clinical practice.

Other statements do not accurately reflect the nature of antiviral medications: they do not typically provide long-lasting immunity as vaccines do, they do not eliminate viruses quickly from hosts since they often control rather than eradicate viral infections, and they can vary widely in cost and availability, with some being quite expensive and less accessible.