Ace the HOSA Pharmacology Challenge 2026 – Power Up Your Health Science Skills!

The correct answer is anti-viral medications, which are specifically designed to treat viral infections. Unlike antibiotics that target bacterial infections, anti-viral drugs work by inhibiting the development and replication of viruses in the body. They can be effective against various viral pathogens, including those causing diseases like influenza, HIV, and herpes.

Anti-viral medications function by interfering with the virus's ability to enter host cells, replicate its genetic material, or assemble new viral particles. This targeted mechanism of action helps to reduce the severity and duration of viral infections, providing a crucial tool in the management of diseases caused by viruses. In contrast, other medication types such as antibiotics, corticosteroids, and opioids do not address viral infections directly, which is why they are not suitable choices for combating these types of pathogens.