L-arginine might help the virus survive better.

 

Biosynthesis of nitric oxide
NO biosynthesis is carried out from L-arginine and is catalyzed by NO-synthases, NOS, an heminic enzyme whose structure resembles that of P-450 cytochrome. In the presence of cofactors ( NADPH, oxygen, iron, tetrahydrobiopterine, FAD and FMN), enzyme NO-synthases, convert arginine into hydroxyarginine and finally into citrulline and NO according to the following reactions:

 

Nitric oxide - Pharmacorama
https://www.pharmacorama.com/en/Sections/NoNitric_2.php

 

A single virus particle (virion) cannot replicate or express genetic material (DNA, RNA) without a host cell.

VIRAL INFECTION AND VIRUS REPLICATION INVOLVES SIX STEPS:[1]
attachment: virus binds to host cell
penetration: virus injects its genetic material into host cell
uncoating: viral contents are released
biosynthesis: viral genetic material replicates via the host
assembly: viral components and enzymes are produced and begin to assemble
release: newly produced virions are released from the host cell and move on to infect other cells.
Virus replication is also dependent on the availability of amino acids. Amino acids play an important role in virus-related infections as they are needed for protein synthesis and they also regulate many metabolic pathways, including gene expression. The absence of essential amino acids may result in empty virus particles that are free of viral nucleic acids (DNA or RNA).[2]

Arginine is one of twenty natural amino acids and is also a normal cell metabolite.[3]

THE RELATIONSHIP BETWEEN ARGININE AND LYSINE
Another amino acid, lysine, is able to reduce arginine's ability to help synthesise certain proteins. This antagonistic relationship might benefit people who suffer from frequent herpes outbreaks, such as cold sores or genital herpes, because arginine is needed by these viruses to reproduce.[16] Lysine can be found in foods such as brewer¨s yeast, legumes, lentils and soy bean, so try to include these foods into your diet if you suffer from cold sores or feel a bit run down.[17]

The role of arginine in viral replication | FX Medicine
https://www.fxmedicine.com.au/blog-post/role-arginine-viral-replication

 

 

Lysine: An Amino Acid That Keeps Viruses At Bay? | Nourishing Days
https://www.nourishingdays.com/2018/03/lysine-an-amino-acid-that-keeps-viruses-at-bay/

 

A multicentered study of lysine therapy in Herpes simplex infection. - PubMed - NCBI
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/640102