Viruses exist on a much smaller space time scale than human and they evolve and mutate much faster. In fact, we are in a constant arms race with pathogens (see

Viruses exist on a much smaller space time scale than human and they evolve and mutate much faster. In fact, we are in a constant arms race with pathogens (see development of antibiotics and the rise of antibiotic resistance). As far as I know, bear cubs, wolf cubs, tiny lizards, etc have been cute for the entirety of recorded history, and probably much longer. So that does not seem like a very apt comparison. Also I think that you are conflating the survival mechanism of an organism - for example malaria latency - with a maladaptive immune response of the host - for example cytokine storm.