Expert: Unvaccinated People Potentially Develop Variant Of COVID-19 When Infected

JAKARTA - In the midst of a pandemic that is still raging, as well as conspiracy theories that are still spreading wildly, out of control, the public must have understood very well how vaccines can help the body in the formation of antibody cells.

It is hoped that the antibody cells formed from the COVID-19 vaccine will be able to help the community in dealing with potential infections. But, of course, there is no 100 percent guarantee of a vaccine. Also, there is no total immunity.

Moreover, the COVID-19 virus continues to mutate. There are several variants, each of which has different characteristics – with different levels of spread. In fact, according to the findings of the health institution, the Delta variant mutation has the ability to spread faster than others.

However, there are differences between those who have been vaccinated and those who have not. Generally, people who have been vaccinated only experience mild symptoms of this virus attack. Also, they are less likely to experience life-threatening symptoms than those who have not been vaccinated.

Plus, based on the latest findings by professors from the Division of Infectious Diseases at Vanderbilt University Medical Center, those who have not been vaccinated have the potential to create new variants of the Coronavirus.

"The more people who haven't been vaccinated, the greater the chance for the virus to multiply", said William Schaffner reported by CNN, Wednesday, July 14.

Moreover, if you look at the pattern of COVID-19 infection, those who have not been vaccinated are more vulnerable to this virus attack. Indeed, the cases experienced by each person can be different. However, this understanding has become a general insight regarding how the Coronavirus infection works.

In addition, as the virus infects more people, it also has more potential to reproduce and mutate. Some mutations can even make the virus so much more. However, what experts and health authorities around the world fear more is the emergence of more powerful mutations.

The advantages of this side of the virus include making symptoms more severe as well as higher spread. So, eventually, the mutant variant will evolve and continue to grow. So, later become immune to existing vaccines.

"Every time a virus changes, it gives the virus a platform to add more mutations", said Andrew Pekosz, a microbiologist and immunologist at the Johns Hopkins Bloomberg School of Public Health.