How do active and latent viral infections differ?

Active viral infections occur when a virus replicates and causes symptoms in the host, leading to the production of new viral particles. In contrast, latent viral infections involve the virus remaining dormant within the host's cells without causing immediate symptoms; it can reactivate later, potentially leading to active infection again. This distinction is crucial for understanding viral behavior in the body and for treatment approaches. Examples include herpes simplex virus for latent infections and influenza virus for active infections.