Does a virus attack your muscles?

Viruses typically do not directly attack muscle tissue; instead, they primarily target cells specific to their host. However, some viral infections can lead to muscle inflammation or damage as a secondary effect, often due to the immune response or systemic illness. For example, certain viruses, like the influenza virus or the virus responsible for COVID-19, can cause myalgia (muscle pain) alongside other symptoms. Thus, while a virus may not attack muscles directly, it can still affect them indirectly.