Treatment
Catching an infectious disease may be unavoidable, but there exist many strategies to treat diseases once they have developed. As stated previously, the most common infectious diseases contracted in the workplace are caused by viruses and bacteria. Most individuals who catch an infectious disease can recover after getting plenty of fluids and rest. In some cases, individuals may require further treatment to recover or reduce pain. Antivirals and antibiotics are used to treat infectious diseases caused by viruses and bacteria, respectively.
- Antivirals: Antivirals are a class of medication used to treat viral infections. Antivirals stop viruses from reproducing or strengthen the body's immune response to the virus. For example, oseltamivir, better known as Tamiflu, is an antiviral medication used to treat influenza.
- Antibiotics: Antibiotics are powerful medicines that fight bacterial infections. Antibiotics do not work on viral infections. Antibiotics either kill or stop bacteria from reproducing. This allows the body to eliminate the pathogens. For example, amoxicillin is an antibiotic commonly used to treat strep throat.
Note: Antivirals and antibiotics are prescribed by healthcare providers.
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2-5. What medicine is used to treat viral infections?
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