Final answer:
The most effective way to stop viral infections is through vaccination, which builds immunity to a specific virus or virus family. Antiviral drugs can also be used to treat viral infections by inhibiting viral growth. The immune system, particularly interferons and cytotoxic T cells, play a key role in slowing viral replication and eliminating infected cells.
Step-by-step explanation:
The most effective way to stop viral infections is through the use of vaccines. Vaccination is the primary method of controlling viral diseases and preventing outbreaks by building immunity to a specific virus or virus family. Vaccines can be prepared using weakened live viruses, killed viruses, or molecular subunits of the virus.
In addition to vaccination, antiviral drugs can be used to treat viral infections. These drugs can inhibit viral growth by blocking the actions of one or more viral proteins, without damaging the host cell. There are various antiviral drugs available, some specific to certain viruses and others that can affect multiple viruses. However, it's important to note that antiviral drugs often have limited success in curing viral diseases.
Another important aspect of the body's defense against viral infections is the immune system. Interferons and cytotoxic T cells play a key role in slowing viral replication and eliminating infected cells. While interferons can slow viral replication, they have limited ability to completely eliminate the virus. Cytotoxic T cells, on the other hand, eventually overwhelm the virus and kill infected cells before the virus can complete its replicative cycle. Without cytotoxic T cells and vaccines, humans would be highly vulnerable to viral infections.