A doctor in St. Louis shared X-ray images highlighting the importance of receiving COVID-19 vaccinations, as it significantly affects the severity of lung damage in patients. Dr. Ghassan Kamel, director of the intensive care unit at the University Hospital of St. Louis in Missouri, stated that most of his patients have not received the necessary vaccinations for protection, according to the British newspaper "Independent."
Dr. Kamel remarked, "We see patients who are extremely ill." The two X-ray images illustrate the differing effects of the virus on the lungs of two COVID-19 patients: one vaccinated against COVID-19 and the other unvaccinated.
The X-ray of the unvaccinated patient's lungs showed white areas representing damage caused by the virus, which may include bacteria, mucus, or secretions. Dr. Kamel emphasized that the unvaccinated patient depicted in the X-ray likely requires significant care. The report indicates that the patient will definitely need at least oxygen and may require more assistance. Kamel stated, "These patients may need a ventilator or mechanical ventilation, sedation, and basic life support." He added that a healthy lung filled with air appears darker in X-ray images.
Conversely, the X-ray of the vaccinated person infected with COVID-19 represents a rare case, as less than 1% of vaccinated individuals become infected, and those who do typically have mild symptoms and may not require hospitalization. Some may not show any symptoms or feel as if they have a common cold.
Dr. Kamel explained that most vaccinated individuals who end up in the hospital do not require transfers to the intensive care unit or resuscitation devices, with exceptions for those who have pre-existing conditions or are immunocompromised.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) released new data on Friday indicating that vaccinated individuals can spread the virus just as easily as unvaccinated individuals, despite being protected from severe symptoms.
A Reuters tally showed that over 199.19 million people have been infected with the novel coronavirus worldwide, while the total number of deaths from the virus has reached four million 399,988. The virus has been reported in more than 210 countries and regions since the first cases were discovered in China in December 2019.
