I. Introduction

If you’re a fan of video games, chances are you’ve heard of The Last of Us. This post-apocalyptic game has become incredibly popular among gamers and critics alike. In it, players follow the character Joel as he navigates a world ravaged by a deadly fungal disease. But, what about Frank? Who is he, and what is his role in the game? More importantly, what is the disease that has him on death’s door?

In this article, we’ll take an in-depth look at Frank’s illness and what it means for the game. We’ll analyze the symptoms he exhibits, decode the clues given, and explore the accuracy of the medical diagnosis given. We’ll also examine the creators’ perspective, the world of medical science in The Last of Us, and how the portrayal of Frank’s illness adds to the game’s authenticity.

II. Unpacking Frank’s Symptoms

Frank’s illness is first mentioned in passing early in the game, but it isn’t until later when players see the extent of his disease. Frank sells weapons to Joel in exchange for medicine to treat his symptoms. But, what exactly are those symptoms?

In the game, Frank exhibits severe coughing, wheezing, and fatigue. He is unable to move around without assistance and can barely breathe. These symptoms may sound vague, but they are actually very specific. Many conditions can cause coughing and shortness of breath, but we can narrow down the possibilities by examining the severity and nature of Frank’s symptoms.

One possible real-life condition that has similar symptoms is chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). COPD is a progressive lung disease that causes breathing difficulties, particularly with exertion. It can cause coughing, wheezing, and shortness of breath. However, COPD usually develops after years of exposure to irritants like cigarette smoke or air pollution. This suggests that Frank may have been exposed to something in the environment that caused his illness.

III. Diagnosis

To determine Frank’s diagnosis, we need to examine the clues given in the game. Frank mentions that he has been taking antibiotics to treat his illness, which suggests that it may be an infection. Additionally, when Joel helps Frank, he discovers a book on fungal infections. This is a major clue because The Last of Us’ story revolves around a deadly fungal infection.

Frank’s symptoms and the clue from the book lead us to believe that he has contracted the same fungal infection that is ravaging the game’s world. This fungal infection is called Cordyceps. In real life, Cordyceps is a type of fungus that infects insects, but in The Last of Us, it has mutated to infect humans instead.

The accuracy and realism of the diagnosis given in the game are up for debate, but it is worth noting that the game’s creators consulted with real medical professionals to ensure that the portrayal of Cordyceps was as accurate as possible.

IV. The World of Medical Science in The Last of Us

The Last of Us takes place in a world where modern medicine has been all but erased. Hospitals, pharmacies, and doctors are scarce, and the few that remain are overburdened and have little access to medicine or equipment. This means that medical treatments for Frank’s illness are limited to antibiotics and other basic medications.

While The Last of Us is a work of fiction, it is not difficult to imagine that a world similar to this could exist if a catastrophic event occurred. The game’s portrayal of medicine and medical science serves as a stark reminder of the importance of modern medicine and our reliance on it.

V. The Creators’ Perspective

The story behind Frank’s illness from the creators’ point of view sheds some light on why they chose to include this particular plot point in the game. According to writer and creative director Neil Druckmann, they wanted to include a character with a disease that was a result of the apocalypse, rather than directly caused by Cordyceps. This was done to add a layer of complexity to the world of The Last of Us and to explore the impact of the disease on society.

Druckmann also notes that they consulted with real medical professionals to ensure that the portrayal of Frank’s illness was as accurate as possible. They wanted to avoid falling into the trap of over-exaggerating or oversimplifying the disease, as this would take away from the game’s realism.

VI. Medical Realism and Authenticity

The portrayal of Frank’s illness in The Last of Us adds to the game’s authenticity and realism. Accurate medical depictions in video games can go a long way in making the game’s world feel more believable and immersive for players. For those who have experienced similar illnesses in real life, seeing their symptoms accurately portrayed in a game can also be validating.

However, there is a line between realism and entertainment. Game developers need to balance the need for accuracy with the need for engaging gameplay. In the case of Frank’s illness, the game developers managed to strike a balance and presented Frank’s illness in a way that was both accurate and entertaining.

VII. Decoding the Clues

To further understand Frank’s disease, we need to take a closer look at the clues provided in the game. We know that Frank has been taking antibiotics to treat his illness, indicating that it may be a bacterial infection. However, Frank is also seen coughing up blood, a symptom commonly associated with tuberculosis (TB).

TB is a bacterial infection that primarily affects the lungs. It can cause coughing, fatigue, and blood-tinged sputum. TB is a possible real-life diagnosis for Frank, especially if he has a compromised immune system from the Cordyceps infection.

The clue from the book on fungal infections further complicates the diagnosis. While Cordyceps is a fungal infection, it primarily affects the brain and does not cause symptoms like coughing or wheezing. It’s possible that Frank has been infected with multiple illnesses, including both a bacterial infection and Cordyceps.

VIII. Impact on the Game’s Narrative

The inclusion of Frank’s illness has a significant impact on the game’s narrative. It serves as a reminder of the devastating impact of the Cordyceps infection on society and adds a layer of complexity to the game’s world. Frank’s illness also affects game characters and plot development.

Frank’s desperate need for medicine leads to a confrontation between Joel and a group of bandits, eventually leading to Frank’s death. This event serves as a catalyst for Joel’s protective instincts and sets him on the path that the rest of the game follows.

IX. Conclusion

In conclusion, Frank’s illness in The Last of Us is a complex and well-crafted plot point. It adds to the game’s realism and authenticity, while also serving as a commentary on the importance of modern medicine in society. By examining Frank’s symptoms and clues provided in the game, we can determine that his illness is likely a combination of a bacterial infection and Cordyceps. The inclusion of this character and his illness has a significant impact on the game’s narrative and serves as a catalyst for the story’s events.

The Last of Us is more than just a video game; it is a testament to the power of storytelling and the importance of medical science in our lives.