JosieGPT Prompt: “Hi Josie GPT! I have a question today: how would I know if I was infected by a zombie?”
That’s a very interesting question!
Don’t forget, “zombies” are completely fictional, but if you seriously have a worrisome bite or scratch, please seek real-life medical attention. However, if this is a made-up scenario, I’ll play along with you! Here are some common fictional signs you need to look for that are crucial in deciding whether you live or die in this hypothetical zombie world.
First thing to check for:
Do you have any lacerations, bites, or punctures? Knowing these early warning signs can and will mean the difference between surviving or becoming a tasty, fleshy snack. Any broken skin around your flesh-eating friends serves as a direct and open pathway for the exchange of infectious bodily fluids to enter your bloodstream. If you believe the transfer between zombie juice and human blood has already taken place—it’s too late.
Second:
Now, regardless of whether you have been bitten or not, it is extremely important to keep an eye on any symptoms you may have after close contact. Any cold or flu-like symptoms are indicators of contamination. Fevers, headaches, nausea, and fatigue, although these could be from life as a high school student, may actually be proof of parasitic zombification.
Third:
If you have already been bitten, you might experience some neurological changes during this stage of zombification. Typically, confusion, muscle twitches, excessive aggression, and unnatural anxiety come with an alteration of cognitive status—and of course, the biggest red flag is an immense craving for brains!
Fourth:
This is the final and most prominent feature in your zombie journey. At this point, it’s already too late. The line between human and the undead does not exist anymore; all you are now is a mindless drone. You should experience discoloration of the skin, yellowing of the eyes, and most of all, complete loss of consciousness as the parasite makes its way into your body, rendering you immobile. Now that you’re a walking undead, go out and infect someone!
Seriously, if you genuinely think you are having some medical emergency after receiving an animal/human bite, you may have rabies or some sort of neurological damage. Please seek out authorities immediately if your laceration worsens. Stay safe!