Innate immunity is our first-line, generic/non-specific host defense mechanism against viral infections, regardless of the type of virus. This component of anti-viral immunology could potentially provide initial protection of host cells against viral infections, but it is generally overlooked as a potential candidate for pharmacological enhancement. Although immunization against individual pathogens provides protection against specific infections and reduces disease severity, the ongoing emergence of new pathogenic viruses, variant strains, and mutants will continue to pose difficult challenges for vaccines. This brief perspective emphasizes the opportunity to explore new approaches to enhancing the generic protective function of innate cellular immunity against viruses. Evaluations of strategies to activate or stimulate these generic/non-specific cellular defense responses may provide a useful approach to help mitigate a broad range of novel deadly viral infections, epidemics, and even pandemics such as COVID-19.