Immunity to viral diseases - Question

[JLol]

So there's this question that has me stuck: The only immunity to viral diseases result from the use of _____. I'm guessing that it's either antibiotics or vaccines, but I'm starting to have doubts. Are my choices correct or should I find another word for the blank?

[Ryan_m_b]

Antibiotics only work for bacteria and do not confer immunity, they simply aim to destroy the bacteria directly. The equivalent for viruses are antiviral drugs (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Antiviral_drug) however these often aim at inhibiting the replication of viruses (e.g. interferon (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Interferon)) rather than attacking the virus directly.

Vaccines confer immunity by introducing a marker for the pathogen into the body so that it can recognise it, the first and best example of a vaccine for a virus is the smallpox vaccine (http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Smallpox_vaccine).

[bobze]

Homework question? If it is, you should just point them in the right direction Ryan. Students learn more when figuring it out on their own :)

[Ryan_m_b]

Homework question? If it is, you should just point them in the right direction Ryan. Students learn more when figuring it out on their own :)

Very true! I didn't realise it was I'm afraid.

[bobze]

Very true! I didn't realise it was I'm afraid.

Don't worry people sneak them in trying to wrap up procrastinated projects and not willing to take the time to actually learn their material. I've answered them before too! :wink:

[Ryan_m_b]

The fact that it was posted in the biology section tricked me! I'll be more wary of students from now on :tongue2: