It's kinda hard topic. Curved blade indeed aren intended for hook or trip as main feature, but curvature of blade make it easier to do so.The scimitar has the 'toppling' ability which seems weird - my understanding is the curved blade isn't really intended to snag or trip an opponent.
Yes it's exactly what you do (p. 53 DISEASE)Page 103, Cooking: "roll against Virulence 10."
Does that mean "make an open opposed roll between Virulence 10 and your CON."? Else I do not understand how to make the roll.