Our Comment:
Acyclovir, the first antiviral drug of practical importance, yields great benefits for immunocompromised subjects. It is surprisingly well tolerated. In immunocompetent subjects its effect is also demonstrable, but its clinical use is limited. I appreciate its ability to help patients with frequent herpes simplex relapses. Its use against varicella-zoster viruses is not very effective (except when there is immunodeficiency). It is regrettable that it is apparently not very efficient against post-herpetic neuralgia.