A bitten human (or any human with zombie tissue or bodily fluids introduced into their body) will certainly reanimate into a zombie. Speed of the transition depends on the overall health of the host, proximity to a major blood vessel, and type of zombie attacker.
A bitten survivor is discovered
While killing the person before they turn is the safest option, it can be difficult as people often have emotional attachments to each other and may refuse to accept the inevitable change. Disagreements about killing infected people can lead to the downfall of survivor groups.
To buy time for decision-making, temporary measures like securing the infected person's mouth or immobilizing them can prevent bites if the transformation occurs prematurely. Although effective in the short term, these methods are not foolproof and should be considered as temporary solutions.
When unknown individuals seek to join a survivor group, treating them as potentially infected until proven otherwise is prudent. While a strict strip search policy would be ideal, it may not always be practical or enforceable due to various limitations. Alternatively, establishing a holding cell provides a suitable solution for isolating potential additions until the incubation period has passed.
Treatment[]
Immediately after a bite, gently wash the wound with soap and clean water if available. Thoroughly rinse the area to remove any potential contaminants present in the saliva or surrounding environment. Remember to prioritize personal safety, and if possible, wear gloves or use a clean cloth to minimize direct contact.
After cleansing, apply an antiseptic solution or gel to the wound. Common antiseptics such as hydrogen peroxide or povidone-iodine can help reduce bacterial load and prevent infection. However, their effectiveness against hypothetical zombie viruses is uncertain.
Amputation, if performed promptly after the bite, could prevent the spread. Unfortunately, it cannot guarantee the complete eradication of the virus. It is associated with significant risks, including bleeding, infection, nerve damage, and long-term physical and psychological consequences. Additionally, the availability of proper medical facilities and trained professionals might not be feasible.