ADVANCES IN ANTIVIRAL THERAPY IN DERMATOLOGY

For years, investigators have sought to control viral transmission and to find appropriate treatment for people who have viral infections. E xposure control (e.g. vaccines, sanitation, vector control, blood test ing, condoms/abstinence, and education) has been extremely important i n management of viral spread. Several antiviral agents have received a pproval from the United States Food and Drug Administration over the p ast few years. There continues to be extensive research on new antivir al agents as well as new vaccines to control viral disease and spread. Most viral diseases continue to be treated symptomatically; however, the discovery of new and improved antiviral agents has added great pow er to our ability to treat certain hard-to-control viruses that plague patients.