Dear Zombie Master: Misting and Splatter Dangerous?

by Sgt. Tater

Dear Zombie Master,

While trying out my new sword I notice that splatter and misting is a big side effect to edged close combat weapons. I do of course already have breathing filters (mouth and nose mask) so ingesting blood/brain splatter is at least prevented to some extent. However, sometimes the jugular cuts create a lot of blood mist and this is a bit more of a problem.

First, is it likely that zombies will have any kind of blood pressure? I think not as they seldom come without some nasty wound or other. They would have bled out long ago. So perhaps jugular vein misting isn't an issue, but I ask you for your most educated thoughts on this.

The 2nd problem is the more likely one: tissue splatter. Now, this will happen. Question is - does one need to protect the eyes as well to limit risk of infection?

If misting is a problem and tissue splatter will be, would it be advisable to stock up on eye protection gear? As in 28 Days Later, infection was spread as one drop of zombified blood hit the eyeball. This worries me as I am a trained close quarters fighter specialist. I have a good deal of eye protection already but they are not very good for fighting...the peripheral vision is limited in most.

Do you have any recommendations?

Thanks,

Sgt. Tater

Sgt. Tater,

I like the way you think. You are on the right track.

First, you are correct in the fact that if there were any blood circulation it would be minuscule in pressure. Remember, they are dead. With no heart beating to pump blood there would be no pressure to spray when a vital organ is hit.

Second, tissue splatter, to date, has not caused zombification. Does that mean it can't? I would never definitively state that but the evidence is not there. I would say that we should all err on the side of caution. If you are planning an offensive then I would recommend protection against it.

Now, for the correction. I have mentioned to many people that I was afraid that the makers of 28 Days Later were giving false information that would one day result in undeadly consequences. The 'creatures' from 28 Days Later were not zombies. They were humans infected with a debilitating virus. My proof? They could be killed by non-head shots, they could be starved to death, and they did not die to become whatever they were. That does not negate what I have said previously about protection but I do not want some one to start shooting in the chest area wondering why what they are shooting at is still coming towards them. It does sound like you know the difference but I do not want any misinformation to alter anyone's judgments.

Keep up the sword work. It will come in handy.

Good hunting and aim high,

The Zombie Master