One of the most common viruses is the flu virus. Unlike bacterial infections, viral infections cannot be treated with antibiotics. For flu, antiviral drugs such as Tamiflu and Relenza are commonly used to help fight the infection.
Besides the flu, there are many other viruses that can be treated with antiviral medications, including herpes simplex (cold sores, genital herpes), viral hepatitis, infectious mononucleosis (glandular fever), HIV, cytomegalovirus, and herpes zoster (shingles). Common antiviral treatments include aciclovir, Zelitrex, and Famvir. Several sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) can also be treated with antiviral medications. However, prevention is always preferable when it comes to STDs, and using a condom during sexual activity is highly recommended.