You have a complex relationship with viruses that expands beyond simple parasitism, much like a complicated marriage. At any one time there can be a trillion viruses living on your body, this is known as the virome. This virome is unique to you, much like your microbiome. Many of these viruses are benign and some are even beneficial to your health.
What is a virus?
A virus is a small infectious microbe containing nucleic acid (its own RNA or DNA). Billions of viruses can fit onto one pinhead.
Without a host cell, they are dormant, and only through infecting the cell do they spring into action. They cannot replicate alone and use the host cell and its components to replicate and multiply within the body, viruses are not self sufficient. They make up about 8% of your genome and some play roles in important biological processes.
The relationship between your body and viruses is a constant balancing act.
A healthy immune system keeps most viruses in check without eliminating them entirely.
Infection
Many viruses are constantly present in the body without causing any harm (herpes virus). There are a few factors in play which contribute to a dormant virus becoming dangerous, including a weakened immune system, environmental triggers and viral genetic mutations.
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