why can't antivirals be used against covid-19?

[kimlo]

I have no medical knowledge at all, I'm just wondering.

Swine flu had tamiflu, antivirals can be used to shorten how long you have chickenpox, I've been given antivirals when I had shingles.

Is it just that they haven't found one that works against covid-19 yet?

The anti virals are specific to that virus. As it's a new virus there's no anti virals to it yet. I'm sure itll be developed though

They potentially can, there are many drugs currently in human trial that already are approved for use for other viruses that may be successful. It just takes some time to do the trials and ensure it’s effective and safe.