- The mushroom that appears in The Last of Us is called Cordyceps and it does exist in the real world.
- Although it causes severe damage to the host’s nervous system, so far it only affects ants and is unlikely to reach humans.
- In 2018, Cofepris authorized the first menstrual cup in Mexico.
During this beginning of 2023, several pop culture phenomena have been recorded that have transcended borders. Some are not only related to entertainment but also to the field of health and the best example is The Last of Us. This is the television series broadcast every Sunday on HBO. To date, it is one of the programs with the highest audience and every week it is commented on by millions of people on social networks.
What is it about?
The program is based on the video game of the same name created by the company Naughty Dog in 2013. Although the story is fictional, there are many elements inspired by reality and there are even parts that could have anticipated the crisis caused by the Covid-19 pandemic.
In general, the plot is centered on the relationship between two survivors of a health emergency. Everything is set in a post-apocalyptic United States and ravaged by cannibalistic creatures infected by a mutated fungus of the Cordyceps genus.
For its part, the fungus mentioned in The Last of Us it does exist in reality. This parasite has been known for several decades and one of its characteristics is to seriously affect the nervous system until it causes the death of the host organism.
Although something very important that should be emphasized is that this microorganism only affects insects, especially ants, and its possible arrival in humans is impossible. The reason is because people have too high a body temperature to house this type of parasite.
The Last of Us and the menstrual cup
Now, one of the most attractive aspects of the series is the attention paid to the smallest and seemingly insignificant details. As the scenario is a post-apocalyptic world, acquiring sanitary napkins would be very complicated and that is why it is necessary to think of other alternatives.
With this in mind, in episode 6 entitled “Kin” (“Kinship”) it is observed that one of the characters gives several vital objects to the teenager Ellie (Bella Ramsey). There is everything from clothes to food, but what What is striking is that it includes a menstrual cup.
How to pass menstruation in the zombie apocalypse? With a menstrual cup. That is the bet of the series “The Last of Us”. https://t.co/mkxHvlMjWt
— CNN in Spanish (@CNNEE) February 21, 2023
This object is increasingly used by women around the world and one of its advantages is that you only have to buy one and it can last up to 10 years. It is a substitute for a sanitary napkin because it can be placed at any time of the day and immediately provides total protection.
Another point to consider is that it is the ideal option for women with allergies to the bleaches and fresheners in feminine pads. Finally, the menstrual cup adapts to the needs of women and it does not matter if they have to go to the gym, want to go to the beach or simply need it at home because they can use it without any problem. In addition, there is no risk of it being marked on their clothes because, being flexible, it molds to the body.
On the other hand, it is necessary to remember that in 2018 the Federal Commission for Protection against Sanitary Risks (Cofepris) authorized the first menstrual cup in Mexico. To date, it is considered a medical device, therefore it requires the review of this agency in order to be commercialized.
And in your case, if you follow The Last of Us, did you notice this detail about the use of the menstrual cup?
Also read:
Why recommend the use of the menstrual cup to your patients
Meet the first menstrual cup endorsed by Cofepris
Cordyceps, the fungus from “The Last of Us” does exist in reality