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Antivirals - GCSE Biology Definition

Reviewed by: Lára Marie McIvor

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Antivirals are a type of medicine used to treat viral infections by stopping viruses from multiplying in the body. Unlike antibiotics, which are used to treat bacterial infections, antivirals are specifically designed to target viruses. They are used to manage diseases such as flu, HIV, and herpes. Antivirals can help reduce the severity and duration of symptoms but do not usually cure the infection. Understanding how antivirals work is important in GCSE Biology, as it helps explain how viral diseases are managed and how public health is protected.

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Lára Marie McIvor

Reviewer: Lára Marie McIvor

Expertise: Biology, Psychology & Sociology Subject Lead

Lára graduated from Oxford University in Biological Sciences and has now been a science tutor working in the UK for several years. Lára has a particular interest in the area of infectious disease and epidemiology, and enjoys creating original educational materials that develop confidence and facilitate learning.

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