Unveiling the Hidden Havens: Viruses' Secret Hideouts in the Human Body

Viruses can hide in "immunoprivileged sites" in the human body, such as the brain, spinal cord, pregnant uterus, testes, and eyes, where the immune system doesn't monitor them closely. Some viruses, like influenza and SARS-CoV-2, primarily infect the respiratory tract but can also be found in other parts of the body. Viruses can persist in sanctuary sites and continue infecting surrounding cells. They can also become latent, leaving their genetic material behind to reproduce later. The duration of viral hiding varies, and different variants may hide for longer periods. The presence of viral RNA has been associated with long COVID, but the exact role of viral persistence in post-viral syndromes is still being studied. Research on SARS-CoV-2 is expected to provide insights into the persistence of other viruses.