hyrule-institutes-of-health

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

((In the middle of finals right now. I'll get to asks in a while. Thanks for the patience.))

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

It is of the utmost necessity for us to emphasize that these are long-defunct medical practices and most will result in excessive bodily harm. It is highly inadvisable to solve ailments by causing a more severe ailment which cancels out the first one. Saki, to our knowledge, is a practiced medic in Rito Village, and is thus actually qualified to offer advice.

Dear Master Revali

Got any old timey cures for headaches from a century ago? My friend Sorali has got a really bad one from the Bird Flu and she tried to poke a hole in her skull with a live Bokoblin horn to release a pressure and surely that's um, not healthy. Or safe.

Asking in her place because she's... sworn vengeance and considers you to be her mortal enemy for some reason??????? Something to do with the Spring Festival????????

Please help I've hidden my stash of arrows and told Tulin to stay away from her because I'm pretty sure she wants to "get headshotted" next. Also please don't headshot her either for the mortal enemy thing, she's just an odd one. I'm sure she doesn't mean it.

-Rubee

Isn't that the flightless Rito who was causing mischief on Medoh? Why should I care in the slightest if she's suffering - that's karma for you.

Why on earth you're seeking my medical advice rather than simply visiting Saki is beyond me anyway. There's probably a very good reason why a lot of the medical proceedures from a hundred years ago have gone extinct in this day and age.

Actually, she was on the right track anyway. Trepanning was a method often used to treat migraines. Though a hairpin drill was usually used to puncture the holes and releive the pressure, not a bokoblin horn.

A few other methods the medic of the Village used to perform back then included; wrapping ones talons in a wet cloth filled with cut onions to draw out the evil spirits, applying leaches to the forehead to remove the bad blood, mixing up a paste of cow dung and molassas to apply to the temples to overwhelm the sinuses, wearing nine different beads on a necklace each blessed by a different diety to remove curses, drinking a tincture made with fermented wheat germ and bomb powder to ballence out your yellow and black biles, sitting in a bath of vinigar and sheeps blood to ward away evil spirits in your head, and swallowing a live mouse so that it can crawl up and eat any rott affecting your brain tissue.

I've only personally tried one or two. They do work - but not nearly as effectivelly as the magic pills Saki has that you drink with a glass of water and they just make pain go away.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

Good afternoon,

I've noticed some of the elder Zora in the domain sometimes sporting clusters of barnacles on their tailfins. Is this normal? Can it have any negative health effects? Should I be worried about them? Is there a way I can prevent it happening to me too?

Kindest regards,

An anonymous young Zora

Barnacles are common and harmless, beyond a slight sensation. The majority of barnacles attached to Zora are dead—they cannot survive outside water. However, the cement they produce is so strong that it can often prove more harmful to remove one than to simply leave it alone.

Zora's Domain is located in a freshwater confluence, far from any barnacle habitats. Barnacles live exclusively in saltwater environments, such as oceans and coastal estuaries. Barnacles are not a concern within the Domain.

As for prevention, when swimming in the ocean, avoid coming to rest on rocks, and try to rest on shore outside the intertidal. Barnacles will very rarely attach if you are moving. A simple barrier—such as a sheet or blanket—may be laid over barnacles to keep them from attaching.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

What is gender affirming medical aid for trans folk like in Hyrule for different races? I take it Hylians can take T or E shots and potentially undergo top/bottom surgery to fit their needs - but what are things like for Zora or Rito for example? Does it work similarly? I guess Gorons don't exactly have a gender to trans, but have there ever been any trans Gerudo and is their care similar to that of Hylians?

Hormone replacement therapy is common among transgender Hylians, Rito, and Zora, though effects vary. Hylians experience changes in hair growth, skin quality, and body fat distribution, among various other effects. Among Zora, the most notable change is the shape of the casque, or crest. Rito undergo structural changes in the syrinx and alteration of pigment production, resulting in differently-colored plumages. Note that Rito pigment production is greatly affected by diet, not just hormones.

Gender-affirming surgery varies greatly. While commonly practiced among Hylians, Rito and Zora have more anatomical complexity around sexual characteristics. Oophorectomy, salpingectomy, and orchiectomy—the excision of the ovaries, oviduct and testes respectively—is practiced among Rito, however these surgeries prove very risky for Zora due to the proximity of these organs to the heart in their anatomy, and transgender Zora often choose to forgo them. Zora do, however, regularly perform hysterectomies and phallectomies to remove the uteri and claspers. Smaller, cosmetic surgeries are on occasion carried out among Zora to restructure the casque, but are rare. Gender-affirming surgery beyond this is experimental and poses great risk. Proceed with caution.

Goron and Gerudo are unique. Goron have no concept of gender whatsoever, and are all one sex. As a result, the very diagnosis of gender dysphoria would be, ipso facto, inaccurate. Gender dysphoria among Gerudo is poorly documented due to conservative tradition banning voe—that is, men—from entering their city, or even being seen by their children. However, steps are being taken to further gender studies while respecting their traditions.

It is important to note that medical transition is not necessary for any transgender individual, and does not make your gender any less valid. You do not have anything to prove, and decisions about your gender are solely in your hands. We've come a long way this last century.

Stay happy and stay healthy.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

What are some Rito illnesses that don't affect other races? Are there any diseases or viruses that specifically affect feathers and beaks for example?

Almost all diseases Rito can acquire also affect Hylians and Gerudo, however symptoms vary greatly. One notable exception is avian pox, which exclusively affects birds—thus Rito.

Avian pox is a primarily insect-transmitted virus causing 0.2-3.5cm growths on the skin below the feathers, often concentrated around the nares, eyes, and corner of the mouth. These range in color from brown to red or pink, and are susceptible to secondary infection. Occasionally, lesions in the throat and esophagus can occur. Secondary symptoms may include difficulty swallowing or breathing, and sometimes blindness. Mortality is low, but possible.

Disease exclusively of the feathers is rare; most often, feather malformation is a symptom of a wider disease. Circovirus, for example, is a vicious infection which, among other symptoms, impairs feather growth. Broken vanes and stricture are common, and the rachis and calamus often necrotize.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

Good day, I'm a healer who frequents a central Hyrule stable and have had a few people come through with flu-like symptoms. Is there information about cross-group transmission of bird flu? It can infect Rito, of course, and I've heard Zora can't catch it, but is there any information about other groups? *clears throat* Would help me figure out if these people passing through are part of the bird flu going around or some other strain. Thanks.

Influenza in all its forms is well-documented. Bird flu (sometimes called avian influenza or Rito flu), obviously primarily affects Rito and other birds among which it is weakening, though rarely fatal. Hylians and Gerudo are susceptible, though transfer is improbable; Hylian and Gerudo respiratory systems are far more effective at filtering bad air, so transfer would require physical contact. However, when Hylians and Gerudo do contract bird flu, it greatly damages their immune system, opening them up to other diseases. Goron, on the other hand, are quite susceptible, though symptoms are often so minor that cases are rarely documented. Zora are immune to influenza in all its forms.

Bird flu is also sometimes conflated with common influenza, Goron flu, Yunodan's disease, or even the common cold. It can be difficult even for skilled physicians to distinguish these. Here is a general guide:

Bird flu: Primarily affects Rito. Hylians and Gerudo may not display fevers, which indicates weakening of the immune system. Mild congestion in Goron.

Common influenza: Affects Hylians, Gerudo, Rito, and Goron. Generally the least severe.

Goron flu: Affects primarily Goron, though can transfer to Hylians and Gerudo. Pronounced chills and shivering, high fevers. Rito are immune.

Yunodan's disease: Affects exclusively Goron, and is quite rare. Appears at first to be common influenza, but can rapidly escalate to bone decay. Early signs include tooth erosion and excessive joint pain.

Common cold: Very minor. Affects all species, including Zora. Rarely displays fever, chills, or headaches, and symptoms are gradual, as opposed to the abrupt onset of influenza.

Always exercise caution when treating patients. We hope all goes well for you.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

Rubee approaches you like this:

"Yeah so I got a... few injuries from exploring. What should I do? I don't want to bother our village medic again, she asks too many questions."

We would advise bothering the village medic again. As bothersome as it may be, answering her questions would be far better for your health than suffering countless infections and an almost certain alar malunion from the broken wing. Medics are trying to help you.

Please stay safe.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

While trepanation can be used to treat a variety of conditions, there is no evidence indicating its relief of headaches. Additionally, attempting self-trepanation with no prior training in craniofacial surgery (and using such instruments as uncleaned bokoblin horns still attached to the living bokoblin!) is highly inadvisable and will most probably lead to serious injury.

To simplify, please do not do this.

Rito Spring Festival was... eventful. Sorali was among the unlucky ones who caught the Bird Flu.

She's no stranger to migraines, but the one that manifested from the Bird Flu is comparible to when Link stabbed a dragon with the Master Sword and it exploded like an atom bomb.

She's resorted to using a little known Zonai cure for migraines she discovered during her Zonai Survey Team shenanigans. Aka drilling a hole in your skull to let the pressure out. Those ancient civillizations were craaaaaazy.

(Thanks to @hyrule-institutes-of-health for listing the symptoms of Bird Flu and @asktheritochampion for.... idk starting the outbreak lmao)

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

Hey, I went to the Rito Spring Festival. I've got an impending sense of dread but nothing that could be described as a flu symptom yet. Should I be worried?

Whether or not you should be worried is not typically a matter of concern when you are already experiencing dread, as the dread itself can be construed as worry. While, assuredly, it is not a symptom of bird flu, it may pose other difficulties to day-to-day activities. The leading consensus advises stress-relieving activities or hobbies, breathing exercises, and a good night's sleep. It may help to speak to a local counselor.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

*Sighhhhh* “People keep calling me different variations of ‘sick’ and its getting annoying, is there any virus that makes me y’know~” *vague waving as if that explains something* “Or are they just idiots”

@loz-sots-rpblog (cori)

Unfortunately, your query lacks sufficient clarity for us to issue advice or supply information regarding viruses or the like. However, it is advised not to dismiss others' concerns about your health. We would be happy to help, should you provide us with more information on your condition.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

Additional cases of the bird flu were expected, however due to its unprecedented extent, this has been classified as an outbreak and will require further attention. We are more than willing to supply resources to attend to this outbreak, but will require slightly more specific information on the number of confirmed cases, and what services may be impacted. If you or another member of your community can transmit this information to us, that would be optimal.

Stay healthy, and may your blessings be many.

Happy Goro Guesday!

Strangely just as I've recovered from my highly contagious ailments, everybody else partaking in the Spring Festival last night aboard Medoh seems to have also now contracted the bird flu too.

Haven't a clue why. Terribly convenient of them to fall ill just in time to have an excuse as to why they can't help clean up Medoh's decorations. Lazy fools.

More leftover cake for me though I suppose so can't complain.

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

We at the Hyrule Institutes of Health would like to take the time to remind everyone that while the Spring Festival may be a fun time for all, it historically has also been a time for the highly contagious bird flu to spread. Stay vigilant, and practice proper personal hygeine!

If you start developing a cough, dry throat, runny nares, fever, chills, vomiting, headaches, or unusual fatigue, consult a local medic.

Happy Spring!

Rito Spring Festival 2025!

((Colab with @axidentshappen who is my beloved saviour because otherwise I never would have gotten around to this alksjdhfgd - She drew the background and then we used a shared canvas program nd struggled with insane lag and wonky brushes; sorry Kat I intended to clean up our sketches but when I was looking over it I was so endeared by the sketchiness and silly fun that I couldn't bring myself to change anything, so I just slapped on some tone for depth.)) Feat; Revali and Link (@askthehylianchampion), Nyra, Kain, Kurt and Briar (@axidentshappen), Milap doin the worm (@avenin7), Takaya (@miitten), Teba (@askthenewritoelder), Penn (@askpennthereporter), The OG Sage of Wind hittin the beats (@askthesageofwind), The new Sage of Wind Tulin (@tulin-sageofwind), Balali (@yigabalali), Kohmli (@frisbeedog0-0), Cirra (@gunpowder-gemini), Tuego (@alicethekitsune), Kiki the postmaster (@youwillneverguessmyurl), Vanali (@vanali-of-winterfell) Rubee and Sorali (@melonthesprigatito). What a party! Rito Village is closed to the public for the next few days while the Rito people sleep off their hangovers and clean up Medoh. Thanks to everyone who shared their Ritosonas - they are all phenomonal!

[hyrule-institutes-of-health]

So, What Are the Hyrule Institutes of Health?

Chartered by King Gustaf VII over one thousand years ago, the Hyrule Institutes of Health aim to provide medical resources to citizens and institutions across Hyrule. While most of our members are Hylians, we strive to help all races, no matter the species. Queries are accepted through the "ask" feature. We will do our best to answer questions regarding medicine, illness, anatomy, and physiology, but understand that biomedicine is an incomplete science and some information remains obscure or poorly understood. We also have many affairs to attend to, and answering these queries is a lesser priority of the organization, so some may remain unanswered, and there may be no response at all here for several weeks at a time. We apologize for this, and hope it does not cause any issues for you or your kin.

It should be noted that information supplied by the Hyrule Institutes of Health is not intended to and does not supplant advice from your local physician. They likely have knowledge of practice not even found in our archives. Please consult them first.

Additionally, our information and advice should not be construed as diagnosis: again, consult your local physician on this matter.

It is our honor to provide this service for Hyrule. May the blessings of the Goddess be upon you all.

((Hi. Blog owner talking in the parentheses here. I saw all the awesome botw/totk ask blogs and wanted in on the fun, but couldn't decide on a character. Then I remembered I don't have to be a character, and as an autistic nerd looking for some viable way to spend their whole life studying wildlife, i thought this was a fitting choice. Some posts will have art, some won't. Depends on how much time I have, and if people bother interacting. As it says in the description, THIS IS A PARODY ACCOUNT, AND NOTHING I SAY SHOULD BE CONSTRUED AS GENUINE MEDICAL ADVICE. Seriously, I'm just a guy drawing anatomical diagrams of fictional species for fun.))