Major Viral Disease
Influenza
Caused by RNA influenza viruses. Annual epidemics and periodic pandemics infect millions globally. Treatments include antiviral drugs like Tamiflu (oseltamivir) targeting virus replication, and vaccines updated each flu season provide some protection against prevalent strains.
HIV/AIDS
Caused by HIV retroviruses which destroy T cells of the immune system. Antiretroviral drugs (ARVs) controlling viral replication can manage the disease into a chronic condition. Research for vaccines is ongoing.
Hepatitis (A, B, C)
Liver inflammation caused by different hepatitis viruses. Hepatitis A usually resolves but hepatitis B & C can chronically infect the liver leading to cirrhosis and cancer. Antiviral drugs are available to treat and suppress hepatitis B and cure hepatitis C in most patients. Vaccines help prevent hepatitis A and B.
Herpes
Herpes simplex virus causes oral & genital lesions. Varicella zoster virus causes chickenpox and shingles. Antiviral medications like acyclovir and famciclovir can shorten outbreaks but not eliminate latent virus. Vaccines prevent chickenpox and shingles.
Ebola
Often lethal hemorrhagic fever caused by Ebola RNA virus with no proven cure yet. Supportive treatment and antibodies in development help survival chance. Vaccines now being deployed with promise for prevention.
The pathogeny and epidemiology of viruses is varied, but sustained research to uncover details of viral replication cycles and interactions with host cells continues to enable advances in antiviral interventions.