How do Viruses Replicate?
The Lysogenic Cycle
Some viruses do not replicate right away. Instead, they mix their DNA (or RNA) with the host cell's DNA. The viral DNA becomes the part of the host cell’s chromosome and is then passed on to each daughter cell in subsequent cellular generations.
At some point, an environmental or predetermined genetic signal will awaken the viral DNA (or RNA). The viral DNA (or RNA) will then take over the host cell’s machinery and make new viruses as per “the lytic cycle”.
Regardless of their lytic or lysogenic origins, once released from the host cell, the new viruses can go on to attack other cells. Because one virus can replicate thousands more, viral infections tend to spread quickly throughout the body.