What type of virus does acyclovir treat?

Acyclovir is an antiviral medication that is specifically effective against the herpes simplex virus, which causes conditions such as cold sores and genital herpes. This drug works by inhibiting the replication of viral DNA, thereby helping to manage outbreaks and reduce the severity and duration of symptoms associated with herpes infections.

The unique mechanism of action of acyclovir makes it particularly suitable for targeting the herpes virus compared to other viruses, such as hepatitis or influenza, for which different antiviral treatments are required. Similarly, while HIV is a significant virus treated with antiretroviral therapy, acyclovir does not target this virus effectively. Therefore, its primary use and effectiveness lie within the scope of herpes virus infections.