If a student asks whether standard antivirals work against COVID, the answer is:

• A. Yes
• B. No
• C. Not enough information
• D. Only for severe cases

Answer: (B)

Antivirals are designed to block specific steps in a virus’s life cycle, and those steps differ between viruses. Because SARS-CoV-2 has different enzymes and replication mechanisms than viruses that standard antivirals target (like herpesviruses or influenza), drugs that work for one virus don’t automatically work for another. That’s why, in general, “standard” antivirals do not have proven effectiveness against COVID-19. Only antivirals that were developed or shown by evidence to inhibit SARS-CoV-2—such as agents specifically studied for COVID-19—are appropriate choices for this infection.

Not enough information isn’t the best fit here because the fundamental principle—virus-specific targets and the lack of cross-activity without supporting data—tells you that relying on standard antivirals for COVID is not appropriate. Similarly, saying they’re only for severe cases is incorrect, since antiviral effectiveness isn’t defined by severity alone and some COVID-19 antivirals are used early to prevent progression, rather than only in severe disease.