Which is a true statement regarding the treatment of viral infections?

The statement that antiviral agents provide symptomatic relief but do not cure viral infections is accurate because many antiviral medications are designed to manage symptoms and reduce the severity or duration of the illness rather than completely eliminate the virus from the body. For instance, medications like oseltamivir (Tamiflu) can help alleviate flu symptoms and shorten the duration of the illness, but they do not eradicate the virus completely. This is a critical distinction in understanding how antiviral therapies function in clinical practice.

Other options incorrectly suggest that viral infections can be fully cured with medication, which is not true for many viruses, or claim that all oral antivirals are safe for any age, failing to account for specific population considerations such as pediatric patients or individuals with certain health conditions. Furthermore, the idea that antiviral medications can be taken without medical supervision disregards the importance of professional guidance to avoid drug interactions and ensure proper usage.