What does virus do once they are inside your body?

Once inside the host's body, viruses employ sophisticated mechanisms to infect cells, hijack their machinery, and replicate. Here's a general overview of what happens once a virus enters the body:

1. Entry: The route of entry varies among different viruses. Respiratory viruses, like the flu or cold, enter through the nose or mouth, while others like HIV can enter through bodily fluids or damaged tissues.

2. Attachment: The virus attaches to specific receptors on the surface of susceptible host cells. These receptors can be found on various tissues, including respiratory cells, immune cells, or liver cells, depending on the virus's tropism.

3. Entry into the Host Cell: Once attached, the virus uses different mechanisms to enter the cell. Some viruses, such as influenza, enter by fusing with the cell membrane. Others, like HIV, use endocytosis, a process where the cell membrane engulfs the virus.

4. Replication: Inside the host cell, the virus uncoats, releasing its genome, either DNA or RNA. The virus then takes control of the cell's machinery to synthesize new viral components. Using the host cell's ribosomes and other cellular resources, the virus produces multiple copies of its genetic material and proteins.

5. Assembly: Once enough viral components are synthesized, the virus begins assembling new virus particles. Each viral particle consists of the viral genome packaged within a protein coat, known as the capsid. Some viruses also have an outer layer called the envelope, which contains additional proteins and lipids.

6. Release from the Host Cell: The newly assembled virus particles need to be released from the host cell to infect other cells or be transmitted to a new host. Different viruses employ different strategies for release. Some, like influenza, cause the host cell to rupture (lysis) when they are released. Others, like HIV, leave the host cell without completely destroying it (budding).

7. Spread: The newly released viruses can then infect neighboring susceptible host cells, repeating the cycle of infection. Some viruses can also spread through the circulatory system or lymphatic system, reaching different organs and tissues.

It's important to note that the specific details and mechanisms of viral infection can vary significantly between different types of viruses. Additionally, the host's immune response plays a crucial role in combating viral infections, and the outcome of an infection depends on the dynamic interplay between the virus and the immune system.