What is the Difference Between Zombies and Infected?

The terms "zombies" and "infected" are often used to describe creatures or individuals that have been transformed into mindless, flesh-eating beings due to some form of infection or contamination. However, there are some differences between the two:

1. State of being: Zombies are typically depicted as undead creatures, while infected individuals are still alive but have been transformed by a pathogen or infection.
2. Method of causation: Infected individuals are often the result of a virus or disease, such as the Cordyceps fungus, which consumes and controls the body of its host, causing them to behave erratically and aggressively. Zombies, on the other hand, are usually caused by a mysterious force or virus that reanimates the dead.
3. Permanence: Zombies are considered permanently dead and cannot be "cured". Infected individuals, however, may have a chance to be cured or treated if the infection is caught early enough or if a cure is found.
4. Motivation: Zombies are primarily driven by the desire to consume human flesh, while infected individuals may be motivated to destroy or infect their victims by biting or injecting them with their body fluids.
5. Method of destruction: Zombies can only be eradicated through the destruction of their brains, while infected individuals can be incapacitated or killed by targeting their torso or any other vital body part, or by employing poisonous gas or other lethal methods.

Despite these differences, the terms "zombie" and "infected" are often used interchangeably in popular culture, as the definition of a zombie has evolved over time and can encompass a broader range of meanings.

Comparative Table: Zombies vs Infected

While both zombies and infected are types of undead creatures, they have distinct characteristics and creation methods. Here is a comparison between the two:

In summary, zombies are undead creatures typically created by supernatural means or a bite, while infected individuals are the result of a disease or parasite. Zombies generally lack intelligence and have no natural life cycle, whereas infected individuals have some degree of intelligence and a specific life cycle related to the infection.