When I first started out as an RN (1989), every baby that was admitted to the hospital during the winter would have a nasal culture for RSV (respiratory virus). Most would test positive, and if they did, they were subjected to 18 hours a day/5 days of Ribavirin, that was delivered via a mist inside an "oxygen tent". Most that were being treated also needed frequent albuterol nebulizer treatments (although wheezing is common in some children with RSV, I often wondered how much of the wheezing was from the Ribavirin). When you walked down the hall, it looked like a major fog in the hallway. Also, we couldn't wear our contacts, as the Ribavirin ruined them. Eventually, they have totally done away with Ribavirin as a treatment for RSV, and it's now reserved for Hep C and Hanta Virus.
"From what I understand, Ribavirin and Interferon are only effective with certain strains of Hep C."
A lot of that depends on the treatment regimen.
Some doctors will only prescribe for three times a week. That doesn't work too well. One promient doctor reports better results (40-60% of patients virus negative for two to three years following treatment) with lower doses administered daily.
I also understand that the newer pegylated interferon works better than even daily injections of plain interferon.
You're right about ribavirin: that is some nasty stuff, and it will flat mess you up. Interferon, too. Better than dying, though.