can rune apply to the character or just equipment?

i found rune of minor virgo which said to "increase maximum health". Does this mean to apply to an armor or weapon and then u get the health upgrade or do u apply it to the actual character? also if apply to equipment then when not equip that equipment, i loose the upgrade?

armor only and of your primary profession or a rune that covers all such as a *vigor* rune

what u mean by covers all? like a rune that goes on both weapon and armor?