Final answer:
Antiviral drugs known as neuraminidase inhibitors, including oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab), are used to prevent and treat influenza in at-risk patients with asthma or lung disease.
Step-by-step explanation:
Drugs that prevent and treat influenza infection in at-risk patients with asthma or lung disease are called antiviral drugs. Among these, neuraminidase inhibitors such as oseltamivir (Tamiflu), zanamivir (Relenza), and peramivir (Rapivab), play a significant role in managing flu symptoms.
These drugs function by impeding the action of neuraminidase, an enzyme critical for the influenza virus's replication cycle, thereby preventing the virus from spreading to uninfected cells. While zanamivir is administered via inhalation, oseltamivir is taken orally, and peramivir is given intravenously. These treatments can decrease the intensity of influenza symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness, which is particularly beneficial for patients with underlying health conditions such as asthma or lung disease.