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In the context of immunocompromised patients, antiviral medications play a crucial role in managing viral infections, particularly because these patients are at a higher risk for severe viral diseases. The statement that antiviral medications are contraindicated is misleading, as many antiviral medications are actually indicated for the treatment of various viral infections in immunocompromised individuals.

Acyclovir, a common antiviral agent, is not always ineffective; rather, it is often used for treating herpesvirus infections, including herpes simplex and varicella-zoster virus. Its efficacy may vary depending on the viral strain and the patient's overall health, but it is certainly not deemed ineffective in most cases.

Idoxuridine is an antiviral drug used primarily for ocular herpes and is considerably less frequently employed than acyclovir, making acyclovir the preferred choice in systemic antiviral therapy for immunocompromised patients.

Furthermore, while side effects are a factor to consider in any medication, they are not universally minimal in immunocompromised patients. This demographic can have increased sensitivity to medications, putting them at higher risk for adverse effects, thus necessitating careful monitoring and management.

Therefore, the true aspect of using antiviral medications in these patients revolves around their essential role in preventing and treating infections rather than outright contraind