Antiviral Therapy - 2
The management of primary viral infections is generally palliative, and includes the use of combination therapy. Combination therapy may include the use of acyclovir, topical anesthetic rinses (e.g. Dyclonine 5 percent with Benadryl® xx 5 percent in saline), fluids, vitamin and mineral supplements, and rest. As with the antifungal agents, use of systemic antiviral agents should be monitored carefully, as there is an increasing concern for developing resistance to antiviral medications. Side effects and risk of toxicity generally limit the use of systemic antiviral medication to immuno-compromised clients.53 Antiviral agents are summarized in Table 6.
