Vaccinated vs. unvaccinated: Who is more at risk?
The novel coronavirus has been a matter of concern for everyone. From its symptoms to different variants to post-COVID complications, the disease is highly unpredictable and experts have failed to confirm when it will die down.
COVID vaccines on the other hand have been a source of relief. Clinical trials have suggested that the available vaccines are highly efficacious and are known to produce high antibody levels against the deadly virus. However, this does not mean fully vaccinated people cannot contract COVID-19, rather breakthrough infections have become extremely prevalent in current times.
But while vaccinated individuals are still at risk of contracting COVID, experts believe that they're more protected and showcase a better immune response against the virus as compared to those who are yet to receive their vaccination. So, if you're hesitant to get your COVID vaccines and are unable to decide what's right and wrong, here is what you should know.
Coronavirus or COVID vaccine side effect: What would you rather?
When it comes to vaccine hesitancy, it may originate out of several things. Vaccine-related myths, rumours, doubts, and the increasing number of breakthrough infections can all contribute to your already-existing scepticism against COVID vaccines.
Additionally, vaccine side effects may also contribute to your trials and tribulations. While it fades away in a day or two, side effects from vaccines can take a toll. But it is only an indication that the vaccines are working, triggering immune responses that help you keep future infections at bay.
In comparison, COVID-19 infections may induce similar immune responses, leading to inflammation and adverse symptoms, which may sometimes aggravate and become more severe.
That said, if you're still refraining from getting yourself vaccinated due to fear of side effects that you may or may not experience, you must compare the risk of contracting a COVID infection, which is more serious, than experiencing the side effects for a day or two.
Read more: Coronavirus: What makes vaccinated people more prone to breakthrough COVID-19 infections?
Breakthrough infections are common, but symptoms are mild
A breakthrough case refers to when a fully vaccinated individual contracts the virus, which leads to varied symptoms, often known to be mild to moderate. In some cases, it may be severe but is said to be a rare occurrence.
As prevalent as breakthrough infections have become, it is not as serious as a COVID infection in an unvaccinated person. Experts from different health agencies have claimed that while possible, breakthrough infections are rarely very severe or lead to hospitalization and/or deaths.
What does the CDC suggest?
According to the Centre for Disease Control and Prevention, "COVID-19 vaccines are effective and are a critical tool to bring the pandemic under control. However, no vaccines are 100% effective at preventing illness. Some fully vaccinated people will get sick, and some will even be hospitalized or die from COVID-19."
"However, there is evidence that vaccination may make illness less severe for those who are vaccinated and still get sick. The risk of infection, hospitalization, and death are all much lower in vaccinated compared to unvaccinated people," the health agency adds.
However, it is believed that unvaccinated people may be more at risk of developing severe illnesses as against those who are fully vaccinated.
Latest reports provided by the CDC suggests that unvaccinated people were 11 times more likely to die of COVID-19 than people who have received both their vaccine shots.
Read more: Coronavirus: Why are COVID vaccinated people catching COVID at a surprisingly high rate
Delta infection risk in vaccinated vs. unvaccinated
As is known, viruses are programmed to mutate and variants will therefore originate. Currently, the Delta variant of COVID-19 is the most infectious and transmissible variant of all, which is said to have driven India's second COVID wave and is the primary reason behind the global surge in the number of coronavirus cases.
While it is believed that the Delta or the B.1.617.2 lineage contains a higher viral load, which makes it more efficient at dodging vaccine-induced antibodies, experts believe. The CDC has also found a likeness between COVID-19 and chickenpox, which indicates that the former is as infectious as the latter, especially among unvaccinated, says CDC.
Although breakthrough infections are a major source of concern, scientists and medical professionals suggest that the available vaccines protect people from severe cases of COVID-19. On the contrary, the unvaccinated seem to be at great risk.
Symptom severity
Both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals can contract COVID-19. But the severity of symptoms in an unvaccinated individual cannot be predicted and may go from mild to severe, breakthrough infections are often considered to be mild and non-threatening to life.
The classic symptoms of COVID-19 in unvaccinated people are fever, continuous cough, loss of sense of smell and taste, fatigue and joint pain. However, in fully vaccinated people, COVID symptoms mimic flu symptoms. Some of the most common signs are sore throat, headache, runny nose and sneezing, according to the ZOE symptoms app.
Read more: Coronavirus symptoms: Common symptoms of infection in vaccinated people
How well are vaccinated individuals protected against COVID-19 as compared to the unvaccinated?
As per expert, both vaccinated and unvaccinated individuals should be vigilant. Wearing masks and social distancing are two key measures one must adhere to.
However, as per experts, vaccinated individuals surely have an upper hand in tackling COVID-19 as compared to unvaccinated people. Given that breakthrough cases are only mild and people are less prone to hospitalization and death risks, getting yourself vaccinated should be prioritized.
Those with a compromised immunity should be more aware and cautious and must get their COVID vaccines on time.