CDC Oneshots

Emetophobia

CDC woke up to the sound of a ringing phone. They groaned before getting up to answer the call. The clock in their room said that it was 3 in the morning so whoever was calling had better have a good reason.

"Hello, you hav-ve rea-reached the C-c-c-center of Disease Control and Prevention, who d-do I have the pleasure of-of speaking to-o at-t this tim-time in the mor-mor-morning?" CDC tried not to sound too annoyed just in case it was an actual emergency, but their tone gave away the fact that they were not happy about being woken up so early in the morning.

"CDC, I am sorry if I woke you up, but one of the statehouse personnel is sick."

"Gov, I-i told you before that individual c-c-cases of illness are not re-required to be reported unless it-t is a disease of interest, and e-even that doesn't go through-" CDC was cut off by Gov before they could continue.

"This isn't about reporting a case, I just need your help caring for them, please." CDC went silent. Their mind was filled with images of people withering away while they could do nothing but watch. They hadn't worked with individual cases since the 90s, instead opting to analyze the data from different outbreaks and studies. To say that this request was outside of their job description would not be out of place, but CDC heard the desperation in Gov's voice and knew that they needed to help.

"F-fine, I-i'll be right there."

CDC packed a small bag of belongings, figuring it would be good to prepare to stay a couple of nights, and headed over to the Statehouse as quickly as Atlanta traffic would allow. Once they arrived, they were greeted by Gov who was previously pacing at the entrance of the house, waiting for CDC to get there.

"S-so, what s-seems to be the-the issue?"

"Greg woke up this morning not feeling well, he has been coughing relentlessly and has a high fever. His situation has only been getting progressively worse. Right now, I have Massachusetts watching over him, but he needs help." CDC took a quick note of the symptoms to narrow down the potential pathogens that could be responsible.

"Has G-greg been exposed to any p-p-potentially contagious individuals before the o-onset of symptoms?"

"Not as far as I know." Gov started to lead CDC to the room Greg was currently presiding in, walking at a pace that they would be able to get down their notes.

"I-i-i'll have to take some sam-samples to send in for-or testing then." As they drew close to the room, CDC had to mentally prepare themself for the sight of sickness. CDC had never been great with sick patients, normally sticking to data analysis and research, so they would have to take extra care to not panic.

Gov knocked on the door and moments later, Massachusetts opened the door and gestured for CDC to come in. Massachusetts was wearing a hospital-grade mask and a face shield. The states didn't get sick like typical people, but too much exposure can cause mild cases in some circumstances, so it was best to be safe.

As CDC looked in, they spotted Greg lying on the bed, red with a fever. They felt like they were going to pass out, but they pushed themself to enter trying not to let the anxiety show on their face. They had Massachusetts help collect the necessary samples to send in for testing before letting him know that he could go get some rest after staying up so long. Before Massachusetts had the chance to object, CDC told him quite firmly that sleep deprivation would help no one, and that they would not hesitate to call the rest of the Northeast to drag him to be if they had to.

Once Massachusetts had begrudgingly left, CDC started to check over Greg's vitals, making sure that they wouldn't need to have him relocated to a hospital. As CDC looked over everything, they prayed to whatever higher power that might preside over their world that Greg would not wake up. They had a hard enough time dealing with their anxiety when just seeing people unwell, seeing the delirium might give CDC a panic attack. Unfortunately, it seemed that the higher power did not pay CDC's prayers any mind as Greg groggily opened his eyes.

"Mx. CDC?"

CDC nearly felt his spirit leap out of his skin upon hearing the raspiness in Greg's voice. Luckily, Greg appeared to be too out of it to register the panic.

"Hey-hey Greg, I-i-i'm here to take care of you and he-help you through this ill-illness." CDC tried to sound reassuring to the sick man, but they weren't sure if they were doing much. Greg, however, was too tired to analyze CDC and just smiled weakly before falling back asleep.

That weak smile brought CDC back to a much darker time. Dozens of patients wilting away as CDC could only watch and make useless attempt to help. CDC had to get out of that room, their breaths becoming more like hyperventilation by the second.

They quickly went out into the hall, closing the door behind them before sinking down against the wall and crying. Their sobs prevented them from hearing the sound of approaching footsteps before it was too late to hide what was happening.

"CDC! Are you alright? Is there something that happened with Greg?" CDC looked up to see Gov rushing over to them. CDC shook their head as they whimpered out a quiet response.

"G-g-g-greg's f-f-fine."

Gov frowned before he messaged another state to take over the situation. Georgia came around, clearly having just woke up from a nap, and Gov explained that he needed Georgia to keep an eye on Greg while he dealt with what was going on with CDC. CDC felt their heart drop. Gov probably hated them for running out while they were supposed to be caring for a sick patient. They were an awful doctor and an awful friend, who would like them after that stunt.

Before CDC's self-depricating thoughts could continue, they felt someones arms pull them into a hug. CDC looked over to see Gov sitting beside them, holding them tight, and they felt themself being grounded. The feeling of warmth reminding them of where they were and that everything was going to be alright.

Once CDC managed to calm his breathing down to a normal pace, he decided to make a rough conclusion from his observation.

"G-greg likely is-is sick from the fl-flu. I am-am sorry about my mel-meltdown."

"CDC, you don't need to apologize. Are you feeling up to letting me know what triggered that? We want to make sure you don't have to experience that again." Gov's voice was warm and comforting. It let CDC know that they weren't in trouble which helped calm their nerves.

"I-i am not really in a state t-to talk about-t it without tri-triggering another pa-pa-panic attack."

"Okay, well let's get some rest and we can talk about it later."