When most people hear the word “virus,” a chill goes down their spine. Viruses are dreaded for their ability to knock us off our feet, and feared for their ability to kill us in our prime. Viruses are blamed for everything from a runny nose and a missed day of work to a pandemic that kills tens of thousands. Clearly, we should associate a negative connotation with this dastardly word, whose etymology links “virus” to snake venom and steaming poison, right? The answer may surprise you.