Im going to start off with an example:
A seed may not be considered, Yet it has potential for life and it may be destroyed. In this regard, viruses resemble seeds more than they do live cells.They have a certain potential which can be snuffed out, but they do not attain the more autonomous state of life.
So for your answer.
Yes: Viruses have the potential to life. And can flourish.
Or
No: Viruses can be destroyed. Which means it will not get the potential to life.
But
There are always more viruses to the potential to life, some may be destroyed and some may get the potential to life.
Hope This Helped!