Did Joel get infected?

Did Joel Get Infected?

In the popular HBO series The Last of Us, Joel, a rugged and hardened survivor, has managed to evade the deadly cordyceps fungal infection that has devastated the world. Or has he? In this article, we’ll dive into the details of Joel’s possible infection and what might have happened to him.

The Initial Scare

In episode six, Joel shows clear signs of a panic attack, which could be mistaken for a heart attack. As his brother Tommy later remarks, "Panic attacks feel very much like heart attacks." This could lead us to wonder if Joel was experiencing a panic attack or something more sinister, such as a heart attack triggered by the infection.

The Wound and its Consequences

In a later episode, Joel suffers a severe stab wound that leaves him bleeding out. Ellie, his young companion, manages to clean and sew him up before he loses too much blood. While this might have been a close call, it’s not impossible for Joel to have survived with proper medical attention.

Possible Infection

Although Joel’s wound was severe, it’s not guaranteed that he would have developed an infection. Cordyceps spores can only infect humans through contact with infected bodily fluids or spores, and it’s unlikely that the wound was infected with the virus.

However, it’s essential to consider the following factors:

• Wound cleanliness: If Ellie cleaned and sewed the wound properly, the risk of infection decreases.
• Wound severity: The severity of the wound increases the likelihood of infection.
• Spore presence: If there were cordyceps spores present on Joel’s skin or clothing, the risk of infection increases.

The Unseen Consequences

While it’s possible that Joel survived the wound without infection, there could be unseen consequences to his health. Panic attacks, like Joel experienced, can be triggered by stress, anxiety, or even the infection itself. This could indicate that the infection is spreading, albeit slowly, and affecting his mental state.

The Mystery Remains

While we can speculate about Joel’s possible infection, the truth remains unknown. As the series progresses, we may uncover more clues about Joel’s health and the effects of the cordyceps virus. One thing is certain, however – the stakes are high, and Joel’s survival is far from guaranteed.

In conclusion, while it’s possible that Joel survived the wound without infection, the possibility of infection cannot be ruled out entirely. As we continue to follow the story, we’ll need to keep a close eye on Joel’s health and the consequences of his encounter with the cordyceps virus.