Infecting the food supply, the show (based on a video game) infers that the fungi cordyceps have mutated and quickly spread to humans.

What are cordyceps?

Cordyceps (specifically Ophiocordyceps unilateralis in the show) are a group of fungi which has hundreds of species. Cordyceps can infect certain insects, like ants and tarantulas, by becoming parasites. They can even be parasitic to other fungi as well. The cordyceps fungus is known to cause insects to behave erratically, searching for a place with more sunlight and warmth. When the insect dies, a fungal growth emerges from its head, releasing spores and looking for its next victim.

“The Last of Us” tells the story of a fungal infection zombie apocalypse. Is this scenario realistic? Sharjeel Ahmad, MD, an infectious disease specialist with OSF HealthCare, dives into that question. The short answer is “no.” But a more complex perspective is needed, Dr. Ahmad stresses. It should include being aware of common fungal infections that are possible in humans.

The first thing to provide viewers with peace of mind comes down to mammals’ body temperature.

Body temperatures’ protection

"Our body temperature is quite high, and many of these fungi can't survive in those body temperatures. So that's one way we're protected," Dr. Ahmad says.

Certain fungal infections can happen in people with pre-existing lung damage (smoking, prior lung damage from infection or occupational exposure) or have a weakened immune system. Instead of losing sleep about cordyceps, Dr. Ahmad says histoplasmosis is much more common in the Midwest and is cause for more concern. 

"If you're living in Illinois, you've been exposed to it."

The Centers for Disease Control & Prevention (CDC) says histoplasmosis is a lung infection, or pneumonia. It happens in only one to two people per 100,000 who breathe in spores from the fungus Histoplasma outside.

It's the same with blastomycosis, a lung infection caused by a soil-based fungus, blastomyces, which is located in roughly half of the United States. CDC’s estimated areas map shows blastomyces likely living throughout the Midwest and across the entire East Coast. Blastomycosis symptoms include fever, sweating, shortness of breath and cough.

Candida auris: a bigger concern

Candida auris (C. Auris) is an emerging fungal infection which has attracted clinical attention, Dr. Ahmad says. It's a multi-drug-resistant yeast that spreads from person to person, especially in medical facilities.

"Candida auris was first discovered in the ear canal of a 70-year-old Japanese woman in Tokyo back in 2009. Now we have had this infection in many different countries, even in the U.S.," Dr. Ahmad says. "It's one of those species that can survive between 98.6 degrees Fahrenheit and 104 degrees." 

C. auris can cause different kinds of infection. Symptoms can mimic bacterial infections with symptoms being dependent on where in your body the fungus infects. CDC says people can have C. auris on their skin, but not have symptoms at all, meaning it's possible for the fungus to spread on touched surfaces and to other people. Those affected are normally experiencing serious underlying medical conditions and using a device such as a breathing or feeding tube, or a catheter.

Dr. Ahmad says that the overuse of antibiotics has also played a role in the development of the threat of drug-resistant fungal infection. Excessive use of broad-spectrum antibiotics can increase the risk of a fungal infection. He points out that the agricultural use of antifungal pesticides (similar to medical antifungal drugs) can contribute to the development of drug-resistant fungal strains.

“The Last of Us” situation is unlikely

Viruses are simpler creatures, Dr. Ahmad says, which means they can mutate more easily, adapt and spread from species to species. On the other hand, fungi are more complex so there are specific parameters needed to be met for them to infect a host. 

"That jump theoretically could be possible but it's not like we're going to wake up one day and just like “The Last of Us,” and it goes through a contaminated food supply. I don't see that happening," Dr. Ahmad says.

Many fungal infections are not known to jump from human to human. They normally happen due to people being outside and inhaling spores which can come from things such as decaying logs, fallen trees, birds' nests, bat or bird droppings, and really any soil. The University of Minnesota Extension says common fungi in yards and gardens only live on decaying plant matter, so they do not impact living plants. 

If there is a concern for fungal infection, it is important to get seen quickly to figure out what's going on per Dr Ahmad. Outdoor workers including farmers, or those on a construction site can be infected, as the spores can aerosolize during demolition and cleanup projects.

"Sometimes we have a patient who is a smoker, and they come in for a low-dose CT lung cancer screening. They have zero symptoms, but a spot is found on the lungs that wasn't seen before. Through testing, the spot is found to be due to Histoplasmosis,” Dr. Ahmad says.

Coccidioidomycosis (pronounced cahk-sid-ee-oy-doh-my-KOH-sis), commonly known as valley fever, can be found in the Southwestern United States in desert environments. While everyone is likely exposed to these spores, only a few will be impacted. It is more commonly seen in the Southwestern U.S. and South America, but it was also found in Washington State in 2015. 

Increasing temperatures or changing weather patterns can evolve the geography of where fungi can affect people. People moving to new regions of the world, along with poorer living conditions can also play a role. Extreme weather events such as storms, heat waves, droughts and wildfires can promote the growth and spread of spores. Flooding can cause mold not just outside, but also inside people's homes. 

Why don’t fungal infections take over human brains?

"The human mind is very, very complex and is a different beast than an insect's brain. That kind of specialization, for the fungi to adapt and parasitize a human mind, controlling something as complex as the human cerebral cortex versus the brain of an insect, needs a high degree of adaptation and evolution. That does not happen quickly," Dr. Ahmad says. 

Does spring worsen the risk?

Spring is here and fungal infections may impact more plants, but warmer weather does not necessarily mean humans should be worried about getting a fungal infection. Throughout the year, activities which can increase the risk of exposure to fungal spores, such as gardening can be dangerous for individuals with weakened immune systems. While wearing masks outside could provide some protection, Dr. Ahmad says it won’t take away the threat completely.

“The Last of Us” season two premieres on Max on April 13. Dr. Ahmad says while the show is fictional, the increased attention to the rising threat of fungal infections overall is a positive thing.

"It makes for really good television, and it brings good awareness around fungal infections."

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Introducing the Intuitive Ion Robot, a minimally invasive way to biopsy a patient’s lungs and get them answers more efficiently.

"Robotic bronchoscopy has really become the way of the future in terms of lung nodule diagnosis. It allows us to biopsy very small nodules (dense areas of tissue, or spots)," says Rachael Davis, MD, a pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare. "We can biopsy lung nodules that were not able to be biopsied previously because they were so small. It also allows us to biopsy nodules that are far out on the edge of the lungs that were unreachable before."

The goal of the Ion technology is primarily to diagnose lung cancer early. However, it also gives patients with non-cancerous lung nodules peace of mind. The Ion Robot can stage lung cancer as well. 

"We are hoping to diagnose lung cancer while it is very small, at a very early stage, and provide people the opportunity for either surgical or radiation cure of their cancer. That's our number one goal," Dr. Davis says. "But we do have quite a few patients who have lung nodules, and we don't know what they are. So, we're able to provide them with an answer that says, 'this is what your lung nodule is, and it's not cancer.’”

If a person has a history of smoking or one of their family members has received a lung cancer diagnosis, Dr. Davis says it’s important to get screened.

"Early-stage lung cancer often is asymptomatic. They have no cough, no shortness of breath or anything else. The most important thing we can do about lung cancer is to encourage people to get screened," Dr. Davis says. "Anyone who has a smoking history should talk with their primary care provider or lung doctor about whether they qualify for lung cancer screening. With that, we can find very small lung nodules and diagnose them early."

Screening remains the greatest tool to cure lung cancer. Some nodules used to be biopsied using a needle from outside the body. The robotic bronchoscopy allows the team to biopsy it from the inside in a much safer way, preventing possible complications. When a lung nodule is diagnosed at an earlier stage, it's much more likely to cure the patient. 

"A lung cancer screening is very simple. It's a low-dose CAT scan of the lungs. Most lung cancer screenings are covered by insurance. It's a two-minute procedure," Dr. Davis says. "You get scheduled for a CAT scan. You come in and there's no contrast or IV required. You come in, get your CAT scan, and it's read within 24 hours." 

The OSF Lung & Pulmonology team has doubled the number of patients they see each week since launching the technology one year ago at OSF Saint Francis Medical Center. While the team currently does six biopsies a week, the plan is to perform three to four biopsies five days a week by mid-2025. 

Initially, most patients are cared for at the OSF HealthCare Cancer Institute. The medical team will then refer patients for the Ion Robot biopsy, keeping the patient on one hospital campus. 

If cancerous nodules are found in the patient's lungs, they will be referred to the OSF multi-disciplinary team for further treatment. This includes a surgeon who decides if the lung nodule can be surgically removed and cured. There is also a medical oncologist who can advise if chemotherapy or immunotherapy is needed. Lastly, a radiation oncologist is part of the team. They can provide radiation treatment if necessary. 

Dr. Davis says as the OSF Cancer Institute impact grows across the OSF Ministry, the Ion Robot technology will spread to other markets. According to the Society of Thoracic Surgeons, OSF HealthCare ranks in the 99.2 percentile in quality outcomes after lung cancer surgery for all lung surgery programs in the United States.

OSF Cancer Institute offers lung cancer screening events throughout the year. To learn more about lung cancer prevention, and how to get connected with OSF Lung & Pulmonology, visit the OSF HealthCare website.

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Fall can be seen as a reset period. From changes to our breathing and sleeping habits, to the way we take care of ourselves. 

It's also a grea ttime to try something new. And that doesn't just mean the newest pumpkin spice latte. But, that could be part of the equation!

The seven pillars are a great place to start when it comes to putting together a wellness routine. They are mental, emotional, physical, environmental, spiritual, recreational and social. 

It's important to make each pillar your own and try for as many pillars you can for your overall wellness. Many of these naturally intertwine. 

OSF HealthCare psychotherapist Sara Bennett says quieting your mind is a great way to boost mental health. 

“It’s really nice when things slow down and you can just cuddle up in front of a fire with a blanket and some hot chocolate,” Bennett says. “Just enjoy the slowness. Being able to quiet your mind is a really great aspect of self-care.”

Bennett says getting outside for a hike with friends can help with the recreational, environmental and physical pillars. While volunteering in your community can improve your social and spiritual health. 

The cooler fall breeze sweeping through the Midwest can be a welcome sight for some, but to those with severe breathing disorders, it can be a challenging time. 

Dr. Juanbosco Ayala, a pulmonologist with OSF HealthCare, says getting the flu vaccine is a great way to protect yourself. 

He says you need to keep an eye on your breathing habits and if they're changing with the cooler weather. 

“Especially people with asthma or patients with emphysema or COPD, we notice some of their symptoms may come to the forefront with this change in weather. Things such as cough, shortness of breath and wheezing are common symptoms that may unfold during this timeframe," Dr. Ayala says. 

Dr. Ayala adds if you have a persistent cough that won't go away, or a fever, chills and night sweats, it's important to see your doctor right away. 

For those who love to sleep with the windows open in the fall, Dr. Ayala says that's totally fine.

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