The Last of Us season 2 episode 5 reveals an airborne threat more chilling than infected bites

From the outset of The Last of Us, “Feel Her Love” throws Ellie and Dina into a heart-pounding chase through Seattle’s ruined streets, chasing down a lead on Abby’s whereabouts. Along the way, they stumble upon chilling reports that the Cordyceps infection has mutated into an airborne form, turning every breath into a potential danger—an ominous sign of the season’s mounting threat.

As they navigate darkened hospital corridors and evade both infected and human foes, the show deftly blends visceral horror with character drama, reminding viewers why The Last of Us remains must-watch television.

The Last of Us airborne menace: more chilling than infected bites

Episode 5 delivers on the promise of a new infection vector by depicting spores that linger in the very air the survivors depend on. Early in the episode, Sergeant Elise Park recounts how an entire basement level was sealed off because the air itself was lethal, creating a dread-soaked cold open that rivals the game’s most harrowing moments.

When Ellie breaches the B2 level of Lakehill Hospital, the camera pans across decaying bodies and drifting spores, illustrating how this variant heightens vulnerability—no amount of physical toughness can shield you from what you can’t see. Unlike previous seasons, where bites were the primary vector, this airborne form forces survivors to weigh every inhale against the risk of infection, effectively raising the stakes for every exploration scene.

Critics note that this faithful nod to the video game lore—that spores spread through the air—adds narrative depth and tension, while also justifying why Ellie’s immunity is more crucial than ever.

What are spores in The Last of Us and how do they affect the human body?

In The Last of Us, spores are a highly infectious form of the Cordyceps fungus that spread through the air in enclosed spaces, making them one of the most insidious threats in the universe of the show. These microscopic particles are released by the bodies of long-dead infected, often found in dark, humid areas like basements, subway tunnels, or abandoned hospitals.

Once inhaled, the spores latch onto a host’s respiratory system, allowing the fungus to bypass external defenses and rapidly take hold. The infection spreads to the brain in a matter of hours, controlling the host’s motor functions and turning them into aggressive carriers of the fungus.

Unlike a bite or scratch, which can be seen and potentially treated if caught early, spores are invisible and harder to detect, which makes them uniquely terrifying. This invisible transmission method raises the tension significantly, as even a breath in the wrong place can spell death.

While some versions of the story (like the early episodes of the show’s first season) downplayed or replaced spores with tendril-like mycelium networks, their reintroduction in Season 2 has thrilled longtime fans and reinforced how high the biological stakes are in this post-pandemic world. Ellie’s immunity now feels even more vital—she’s not just the cure to infected bites but possibly the only human who can survive the very air others fear to breathe.

With “Feel Her Love,” The Last of Us elevates its horror by turning the very air into a weapon, pushing Ellie’s immunity and moral limits to new extremes while reminding us why this show remains at the forefront of cinematic television.

Jasmine is a journalist for Primetimer

She graduated with a B.A. in English Literature from Sophia College in Mumbai, where she had the unique opportunity to publish research in social science and media.

Jasmine holds more than three years of experience including an ex-Founder's role at a digital marketing agency called 'Very Weird'. Additionally, she also had stints as a journalist at GrowMeOrganic and Scatter Content. She also worked in the Social Media Management team for beauty and wellness brands, Green Maven and Yoga House Mumbai.

Jasmine is a strict follower of ethics in journalism and stays updated with industry developments in order to improve her craft. She is committed to presenting diverse perspectives, which enriches her storytelling and enhances the relevance of her articles in today’s dynamic media landscape.