Aside from swords and knives, a character can be hurt in many other ways. Like the loss of hit points, it is possible to lose value in secondary attributes. For example, being forced to swim for too long can result a loss of Endurance. Disease also reduces secondary attributes.
Poisoning is also particularly grim. Healing potions do not correct a poisoning, though they can restore hit points that are being lost to the poison. An anesthetic poison simply renders its victim unconscious or paralyzed. A toxic poison, however, is designed to kill.