Which of the following is a characteristic of latent viral infections?

Latent viral infections are characterized by the ability of the virus to remain dormant within the host's cells after the initial infection. During the latent phase, the virus is not actively replicating, and the host may not exhibit any symptoms for extended periods. This dormancy can allow the virus to evade the immune response, as it is not present in a form that the immune system typically recognizes and attacks.

When the conditions are right, such as a weakened immune system or other triggers, the virus can reactivate and lead to active infection, often resulting in symptoms or transmission. This cycle of dormancy and reactivation is a hallmark of latent infections, distinguishing them from acute infections where immediate and often severe symptoms accompany viral replication.

The other options do not accurately represent the nature of latent viral infections. Immediate symptoms upon infection are typical of acute infections; high levels of viral replication are associated with active infections rather than latent states; and while there may be reduced immune response during latency, a lack of immune response is not a defining characteristic of latent infections.