BRAINCAKETreatment and Control of Influenza
Antibiotics do not work against influenza, because viruses have no cell walls, ribosomes or metabolism for antibiotics to target. They are prescribed only if a secondary bacterial infection, such as pneumonia, develops. Using antibiotics for viral infections also increases the risk of antibiotic resistance.
Most people with flu are treated by relieving symptoms: rest, plenty of fluids, and paracetamol to lower the fever and ease aches.
Antiviral drugs can be given to people at high risk. The main antivirals are neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu) and zanamivir. They block the active site of neuraminidase, so new virus particles cannot be released from infected cells and the infection spreads more slowly. They work best if taken within 48 hours of symptoms starting.
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Key terms in this lesson
- A drug that treats a viral infection by interfering with virus entry, replication or release, rather than targeting bacterial structures.
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All 17 lessons in Viruses, Fungi and Protozoa · All Edexcel A-level Biology topics