Final answer:
Antiviral chemotherapy employs drugs such as Acyclovir and Tamiflu to control symptoms of viral diseases like herpes and influenza. While not curing these illnesses, they manage symptoms and can significantly prolong life in the case of HIV treatment.
Step-by-step explanation:
Antiviral Chemotherapy
Antiviral chemotherapy refers to the use of antiviral drugs to treat viral diseases. While these medications may not always cure the diseases, they are frequently utilized to control and alleviate symptoms. Acyclovir and Tamiflu (oseltamivir) are examples of antivirals used in the treatment of herpes simplex II and influenza, respectively. Acyclovir helps reduce the number and span of herpes outbreaks without offering a cure since the virus remains dormant. In contrast, Tamiflu shortens the duration of flu symptoms by a day or two by inhibiting viral neuraminidase, which prevents the spread of the virus.
Anti-HIV drugs exemplify a significant success in antiviral chemotherapy, enabling people infected with HIV to live much longer by controlling viral replication. However, the development of antiviral medicines like these is a relatively recent advancement compared to historical virus prevention methods, such as vaccinations.