The Affliction is a formless disease that can cause any sort of symtoms HEAVILY dependent on the host (not talking about hours btw) or in better terms...victim's genes. The Affliction will adapt itself by the "victim"'s surroundings and genomes to interfere with the system as much as possible. It's hard to identify the Affliction unless in very late stages as, in early stages, it disguises itself as the flu. The Affliction is transmitted by contaminated fruit/soil that absorbed the Affliction (the affliction doesnt affect plants, but plants can still be diagnosed).
Stage 1:
The "victim" will have the symtoms of the flu, fever, sore throat bla bla bla
Stage 2:
This stage happens a week after contracting.
The Affliction starts taking visible form. Most commonly thorns/tendrils on the back and hands, but it can be ANYTHING. (garry's mod missing texture? thats possible.)
Stage 3:
This stage happens a month after contracting.
The "victim" starts feeling hostile, and will contract the symtoms of scizophrenia. The visible form of The Affliction worsens.
Stage 4:
This stage happens 2 months after contracting.
The "victim" becomes nothing but a hollow shell of their former self, becoming insane at best, becoming a slave of the Affliction at worse. 8 months after reaching this stage the "victim" dies.
Treatment
The Affliction can only be treated/cured at stage 1-2, after that it is untreatable.
The Affliction can be treated by drinking coconut water or eating coconut meat. Scientists theorize that they can develop a cure with coconut water.
The Affliction is a sentient being.