<unk> s are a class of medication used specifically for treating viral infections. Like antibiotics, specific<unk> s are used for specific viruses.<unk> s are one class of antimicrobials, a larger group which also includes antibiotic, antifungal and antiparasitic<unk> s.  They are relatively harmless to the host, and therefore can be used to treat infections.  They should be distinguished from viricides, which actively deactivate virus particles outside the body.
Most of the<unk> s now available are designed to help deal with HIV; herpesvirus, which is best known for causing cold sores but actually covers a wide range of diseases; and the hepatitis B and C viruses, which can cause liver cancer. Researchers are now working to extend the range of<unk> s to other families of pathogens.
The emergence of<unk> s is the product of a greatly expanded knowledge of the genetic and molecular function of organisms, allowing biomedical researchers to understand the structure and function of viruses, major advances in the techniques for finding new<unk> s, and the intense pressure placed on the medical profession to deal with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV), the cause of the deadly acquired immunodeficiency syndrome (AIDS) pandemic.
Almost all anti-microbials, including<unk> s, are subject to<unk>  resistance as the pathogens evolve to survive exposure to the treatment.  As of 2007, only smallpox has been successfully eradicated, and  Poliomyelitis eradication is still underway.  Both of these efforts are using vaccines.
Antiviral drug
Antimalarial drug
Sulfa drug
Antitumorigenic herbs
Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug
Anti-diabetic drug
Immunosuppressive drug
Anti inflammatory medications