Old thread, but my thought is that yes, everyone is infected and will turn when they die (unless they have significant head trauma).

The character's fear of a zombie bite (aside from being painful) is from the old zombie movie trope, but in reality it's not true, they will turn when they die regardless of being bitten or 'exposed' as they already have been.

The zombie bite is no doubt dangerous as it's like any other wound, possibly worse as it contains bacteria and infection that will accelerate death, which in turn leads to zombification, but no more than being shot or stabbed (below the neck).

TLDR; they are already infected, but being bitten by a zombie will kill you quickly because they are dirty.

Old thread, but my thought is that yes, everyone is infected and will turn when they die (unless they have significant head trauma).

The character's fear of a zombie bite is probably down to the stress of the pain and trauma involved, just like avoiding an attack by an animal.

The zombie bite is no doubt dangerous as it's like any other wound, possibly worse as it contains bacteria and infection that will accelerate death, which in turn leads to zombification, but no more than being shot or stabbed (below the neck).

TLDR; they are already infected, but being bitten by a zombie will kill you quickly because they are dirty.