Five Life Stages of a Zombie and How to Identify Them.

We have all come across our fair share of zombies. If you haven't, then you are a rather lucky individual.

I have been observing the zombies and their development. From my research I can provide a guide on the zombies of today for other survivors. This list will provide guidance on how to identify different life stages of zombies and what to look out for in your fellow survivors.

Let's break down those life stages, shall we?

1. Freshly Turned

They exist in the short phase of time between being bitten and losing full awareness as the fungus begins to germinate in the body. This phase can last from a few days up to two weeks. This phase is the most difficult to spot. You need to be wary of these zombies when you meet people. These are zombies at their most human. They look sickly and pale. At the beginning they still have full control over their vocalisations and sensory understanding. They are especially dangerous as they can differentiate between sounds made by a human and other stimuli. They still have an uncontrollable desire for human flesh, so be careful and be aware.

2. New Zombie

A 'New Zombie' is what I have come to call the most common form of zombie we know of. This phase can last the longest out of all the stages - from months to years - and is characterised by the grunting and growling every apocalypse survivor is quite familiar by this point. These zombies tend to show clearer signs of decay. The ability to communicate decreases rapidly at the beginning of this phase. These zombies will respond to any audible stimuli, so they are easily distracted.

3. Far Gone

These zombies can function with much worse decay. They begin to show evidence of fungal growth as hyphae knots begin to form. They will only respond to their sense of hearing, and are unable to smell, see or vocalise. Zombies at this stage are particularly easy to kill, as the physical body is weakest. If possible, burn the bodies of zombies at this stage, before the mycelium network can grow mushrooms.

4. Fruiting Zombies.

In this phase, zombies are entirely immobile. These zombies have large fungal structures bursting from their bodies. these growths are usually seen on the face, chest or large injury sites. They should be avoided at all costs. If you have the correct equipment, you should set them alight to destroy them. Currently little is known about the effects of the spores these fungi will likely release, so be extremely careful. See Here for a visual.

5. The Anomaly.

Very rarely, one may encounter a zombie who appears to be far into the second stage whilst retaining full consciousness. These zombies have a genetic condition that allows their bodies to co-exist with the infection. From studies conducted on an anomaly I've been lucky enough to meet; they’re fully conscious. They don't decay beyond the second stage and can even manage speech. Anomalies are prone to distractions from external stimuli and still suffer increased impulsive responses. Be wary, but not inconsiderate. They are still people.

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I urge anyone reading to share relevant information in the comment section.

Signing off,

Dr. L Conroy
The Elysium

Written by Rowan Willmott