Viral RNA is a type of genetic material found in certain viruses. Unlike DNA, which is double-stranded, viral RNA can be single-stranded or double-stranded. This RNA carries the information needed for the virus to replicate and produce new virus particles within a host cell. When a virus infects a host, its viral RNA is released into the cell, where it hijacks the cell's machinery to make copies of itself. Examples of viruses that contain viral RNA include influenza, HIV, and coronaviruses. Understanding viral RNA is crucial for developing vaccines and antiviral treatments.