How do hidden viruses differ from active viruses?

The difference is that a hidden virus is everywhere inside your cells and cant be taken out[ But can activate anytime]. Active viruses can be treated after you go to the doctors office and look at the symptoms. so basically active viruses can be treated dormant viruses cant until activated.

Hidden viruses take their time and wait until they make the host cell produce more of the virus ...

kind of like a ninja, waiting to spring at any moment.

The genes of a hidden virus remain in your cells forever. You can never get rid of them and they can become active at any time.