Question 1

Which is the best DNA test for uncovering your ethnic makeup?

Accepted Answer

A thorough exploration of your ethnic makeup depends upon several factors, including the DNA service’s database size and their testing methodologies. That being said, you’re not like likely to find better ancestry results outside of AncestryDNA, 23andMe, MyHeritage, and FamilyTreeDNA.

Question 2

Which is the best DNA test for discovering your family genealogy?

Accepted Answer

When it comes to diving into your family history, DNA-based ancestry results can definitely give you an added boost. But what really matters, at least if you want the deepest details on more recent generations, is access to historical documents. For this, you should keep MyHeritageDNA and AncestryDNA in mind.

Question 3

Which is the best DNA test for understanding your relatives&#x2019; ancient migrations?

Accepted Answer

If you are particularly interested in researching your relatives’ ancient migration patterns, you really need an at-home DNA test that analyzes your mtDNA and Y-DNA; this will help you glean deep insight into your maternal and paternal lineage, respectively. Whereas a DNA test that exclusively looks at autosomal DNA will go back about seven generations max, these tests can go back 50+ generations!

Some of the biggest names in the industry (e.g., MyHeritage and AncestryDNA) do not analyze mtDNA and Y-DNA. Instead, you should look into Living DNA, 23andMe, and FamilyTreeDNA.

Living DNA stands out with its visual representations that show your family line origins in Africa and includes a historical narrative that helps you understand why your ancestors may have moved from one place to the next. 23andMe offers something very similar in its reports for about the same price.

FamilyTreeDNA also offers these features, plus will generate a personalized video that tells the story of your maternal ancestry; it also claims to have the largest Y-DNA database on the market. The difference is that you have to purchase these tests separately, which cost quite a bit more than the bundled packages that are offered by competitors.

Question 4

Which is the best DNA test for someone who is price-sensitive?

Accepted Answer

It depends on what you’re in the market for. If you’re interested in ancestry insights on a budget, then I’d seriously consider MyHeritage, because the quality is top-notch while still being affordable at $79.00. And the same holds true if you’re looking for ancestry and health-related feedback. But if you’re looking for cost-effective test results for your diet and fitness needs, then I would go with Vitagene ($99.00), as they offer one of the affordable products of its kind on the market.

Question 5

Which DNA test is the most accurate?

Accepted Answer

Most DNA tests boast an accuracy level of 99%. However, that being said, it also depends on how much you already known about your ancestry and how it compares to the results you receive from the DNA test.

Question 6

Is an at-home COVID-19 test painful?

Accepted Answer

No, not at all. In fact, all three of the tests on our list are non-invasive. LetsGetChecked and Everlywell require a simple nasal swab, and the Vitagene test is a saliva sample. Easy, fast, and painless.

Question 7

What&#x2019;s the point of getting tested for COVID-19 if there&#x2019;s no cure?

Accepted Answer

Knowing if you have the virus helps you manage your symptoms to ensure the best recovery. It also lets you know whether you need to self-isolate to protect your family and the wider community or whether you can go back to work safely, without the risk of infecting others.

Question 8

Who should take an at-home COVID-19 test?

Accepted Answer

If you currently have symptoms of COVID-19 or think you might have been exposed, you are a good candidate for a home testing kit. All of the test kits on our list require you to complete an eligibility checker before you purchase a test.

If you are experiencing severe symptoms, do not wait for a test kit. Seek immediate medical help.

Question 9

Can I purchase more than one coronavirus test kit per household?

Accepted Answer

Yes, but you may need to purchase each kit separately and fill out the eligibility questionnaire for each person in your household who requires a test.&#xA0;

Question 10

Will a coronavirus test kit tell me if I had the virus in the past?

Accepted Answer

No, the tests on our list test for the presence of the live virus. They do not test for antibodies, which indicate that you previously had and overcame the virus.

Question 11

Are Coronavirus test kits covered by insurance?

Accepted Answer

While most insurance companies will cover the cost of a COVID-19 test if it’s been prescribed by a physician, not all do, so it’s vital that you check with your insurance provider for the latest information.

Question 12

Are COVID-19 at-home tests accurate?

Accepted Answer

The coronavirus test kits on our list are all highly accurate, as it’s one of our key criteria. LetsGetChecked, Vitagene, and Everlywell all use CLIA-approved testing labs to ensure the highest degree of accuracy and reliability in processing and results. Do note, however, that the tests may not be able to detect the presence of the virus in its very early stages, so no test can guarantee 100% accuracy.

Question 13

What happens if my test results are positive for COVID-19?&#xA0;

Accepted Answer

If your test comes back positive, you&#x2019;ll get the opportunity to speak with an independent medical professional. The company from whom you purchased the kit will also provide you with recommendations and guidance on what to do next.

Question 14

Do I need to get tested for STIs if I have no symptoms?

Accepted Answer

Yes! Often STIs show no obvious symptoms, making it almost impossible to know you&#x2019;re infected. Even STIs that are asymptomatic can still cause health issues if left untreated, such as pelvic inflammatory disease, infertility, and even some cancers.

Question 15

How accurate is STI testing?

Accepted Answer

STI testing is not 100% accurate. That&#x2019;s why it&#x2019;s recommended that you get screened regularly to ensure you weren&#x2019;t tested during an STI window period, which can result in a false positive. If you get tested once the window period has passed, you can expect the test to be 80-99% accurate, depending on what STI you&#x2019;re being screened for.

Question 16

Will STIs go away on their own?

Accepted Answer

It’s very unlikely! If you delay treatment for an STI, you risk the infection causing you long-term problems. For example, if chlamydia and gonorrhea are left untreated they can lead to infertility and pelvic inflammatory disease.

You also risk passing on infections to your partner(s), even if you’re not experiencing any symptoms or signs at the time. If you think you may have an STI, get tested as soon as possible.

Question 17

Do condoms protect against all STIs?

Accepted Answer

The only sure-fire way to completely protect yourself against STIs is abstinence, but condoms do still provide a high level of protection. They are estimated to be 98% effective against STIs which are transmitted through fluids, including gonorrhea and chlamydia.

However, condoms are less effective against herpes, genital warts, syphilis, and pubic lice, which are spread via skin-to-skin contact. If the condom does not cover the infected area, then it does not protect against the STI. However, if the infections are limited to the areas covered by a condom, then the risk of spreading these STDs is greatly reduced.

Still, it is important to remember that a large percentage of STIs show no symptoms. Therefore, the only way to be sure that you’re not at risk of transmitting or catching an STI is for you and your partner to undergo thorough screening before having sex.

Question 18

Do I need to inform my previous partners of a positive result?

Accepted Answer

Absolutely! If you test positive for an STI, your current sexual partners &#x2013; as well as any partners you&#x2019;ve had over the last 12 months (or after your last negative test) &#x2013; need to be informed so they too can get tested. If they&#x2019;re infected, they could be spreading an STI without realizing it. They must be allowed to get tested and seek treatment if necessary.

Question 19

What is super gonorrhea?

Accepted Answer

Super gonorrhea refers to strains of the infection that have become resistant to the usual antibiotic treatments. However, doctors can grow a sample of a patient’s gonorrhea strain in the lab, to establish which drugs will stop the infection. But, this does take additional time over treating a non-drug resistant strain, meaning a patient may have to suffer with symptoms for longer.

Stay protected against super gonorrhea by practicing safe sex and getting screened regularly for STIs.

Question 20

What are the ingredients in the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

The Pfizer vaccine contains synthetically produced elements, as well as natural substances.

Among these are a number of inactive ingredients: phosphate, sodium chloride, potassium chloride, monobasic potassium, dibasic sodium, phosphate dihydrate, and sucrose, as well as some traces of other ingredients.

Question 21

Can the Pfizer-BioNtech vaccine cause people to develop Covid-19?

Accepted Answer

No, it does not. In fact, mRNA technology means that no live virus is present. The vaccine simply gives instructions to replicate one small part of the Covid-19 DNA.

Question 22

Do mRNA vaccines change a person&#x2019;s DNA?

Accepted Answer

No, this is not true. RNA vaccines cannot combine with the body&#x2019;s DNA. Unlike a traditional vaccine, which contains inactivated versions of the virus, mRNA merely delivers a message to the body and is then destroyed.

Question 23

Does the vaccine cause infertility?

Accepted Answer

There is no evidence to suggest the vaccine causes infertility, despite common (and incorrect) claims that the short ‘amino acid sequence’ in mRNA vaccines is shared with placenta, and thus interferes with it.

In reality, there’s quite a distinction between these two sequences, and any effects between them are extremely unlikely.

Despite this presumption, pregnant women should consult a qualified healthcare professional before taking any of the available vaccines.

Question 24

What about allergies and the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Pfizer-BioNTech has not tested its vaccine on people who are sensitive to serious allergic reactions, as per the advice of the CDC. However, no one involved in testing for Pfizer reported any serious allergic effects.

Following the mass rollout of the Pfizer-BioNTech Covid-19 vaccine, there has been a tiny number of allergic reactions. The majority of reactions in people with allergies occurred within 30 minutes of vaccination, and most of these reactions were in female candidates.

Symptoms include generalized urticaria, wheezing, swelling of the lips or throat, nausea, and a rash. These effects are constantly being monitored by Pfizer, and individuals with a history of allergic reactions should be observed by a healthcare professional for at least 20 minutes after injection.

Question 25

When will Pfizer-BioNTech share more information about vaccinating those in younger age groups (12-15 and 16-17 years of age)?

Accepted Answer

Though initial tests did not include younger age groups, Pfizer-BioNTech eventually started a smaller trial with around 1,000 12-15 year-olds enrolled. More participants will be enlisted after this group has received its second dose, and all data will be released once the analysis is complete.

In the meantime, in February 2021, Israel announced the Pfizer-BioNTech would be made available to people aged 16 and over.

Question 26

Will I need a booster jab of the Pfizer-BioNTech&#xA0;vaccine every year?

Accepted Answer

Until there is some more data, taken over an extended period of time, we simply do not know how long immunity from the vaccine will last. Many general vaccines require booster jabs every year or every few years, and some vaccines can provide immunity for an entire lifetime. It all depends on how our bodies react to the treatment.

Question 27

How do I obtain or purchase the Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine?

Accepted Answer

The Pfizer-BioNTech vaccine is not for private sale. However, you may be able to receive a jab through your government’s vaccination program. Refer to our ‘basic info’ section to see if Pfizer is approved in your nation, or ask a civil representative to find out if it’s administered in your area.

Question 28

Is the Oxford/AstraZeneca Vaccine Safe?

Accepted Answer

The Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine has gone through rigorous testing, conducted on tens of thousands of participants from a diverse range of cultural settings.

The results of these trials have been reviewed in-depth by the Medicines and Healthcare products Regulatory Agency (the MHRA). In total, data for more than 23,000 trial participants has been analyzed.

The MHRA considered these results satisfactory and deemed the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine safe to use.

Question 29

Will I need a booster jab every year?

Accepted Answer

There isn’t enough long-term immunity data to confidently answer this question. However, most viral vector vaccines provide immunity for about 1 year, and sometimes much longer.

How does the Oxford-AstraZeneca vaccine compare to other vaccines in terms of efficacy?

Though initial data positioned Oxford’s efficacy at around 60-90%, subsequent trials have revealed an efficacy of 82.4% for two jabs administered 8-12 weeks apart. This is significantly higher than the WHO’s minimum requirements.

The data shows that the jab is very effective when compared with other vaccines. In fact, the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine is more effective than your average flu jab.

Question 30

How do I obtain or purchase the Oxford/AstraZeneca vaccine?

Accepted Answer

You cannot privately purchase Oxford/AstraZeneca&#x2019;s vaccine, though you may be able to receive a jab through your government&#x2019;s vaccination program. Refer to our &#x2018;basic info&#x2019; section to see if Oxford/AstraZeneca is approved in your nation, or ask a civil representative to find out if Oxford is administered in your area.

Question 31

Is the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine safe?

Accepted Answer

As of February 2021, Moderna’s vaccine has not yet received emergency use approval by the WHO. However, the vaccine has been authorized in several states, and it has also undergone a thorough review by the European Medicines Agency (EMA).

The findings of the EMA’s review validate Moderna’s mRNA-1273 vaccine as a safe and effective treatment for Covid-19 in Europe. These results place the vaccine in-line to receive emergency authorization from the EU.

In addition to this review, Moderna’s clinical trials were a success. After a long-term assessment and follow-up with tens of thousands of patients, Moderna scientists found no concerning events had occurred and were ultimately satisfied with the data.

That is not to say that there is ‘no chance’ of Moderna’s vaccine proving unsafe for you. Data on subgroups like children and pregnant women is sparse in comparison with other groups, and individuals should seek professional counsel if they are concerned.

Question 32

Who can take the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine is deemed safe for use by those with known health conditions that correlate with an increased risk of severe Covid-19 infection. This includes hypertension, diabetes, asthma, pulmonary, liver, or kidney disease.

It’s recommended that immunocompromised people take Moderna’s vaccine, unless any accentuated circumstances put them at risk. The same is true for HIV-positive patients. Though research is not complete on the matter and if you’re unsure you should contact your doctor.

Breastfeeding women are safe to take the vaccine, and suspending breastfeeding after receiving the vaccine is unnecessary.

Though safe, if you have been infected with Covid-19 within 6 months of your scheduled Moderna vaccine, you may need to wait. Some nations enforce this interval, and you can check with your doctor.

Question 33

Should pregnant women get the Moderna vaccine?

Accepted Answer

There is a somewhat limited data-set on how the Moderna vaccine affects pregnant women. However, based on current information about mRNA vaccines, it’s thought unlikely that the vaccine causes any adverse effects.

Pregnant women are also at additional risk of Covid-19, and many healthcare professionals believe the benefits of taking the vaccine outweigh the risks.

That being said, pregnant women could still be at risk of negative side effects from the Moderna Covid-19 vaccine and are encouraged not to receive it in some countries. Given the limited research on the matter, we cannot claim to know everything about Moderna’s candidate, and concerned individuals should seek professional advice.

Question 34

Who should not take the vaccine?

Accepted Answer

People with histories of severe (or even life-threatening) allergic reactions to any medications should not take the Moderna Coid-19 vaccine – a recommendation from both doctors or Moderna’s scientists. Whether that allergy is medical or specific to vaccines, it does not matter.

Older persons with a low life-expectancy (less than 3 months) should be individually assessed by a healthcare professional. People under the age of 18 should also not be given this vaccine, until more is known about its effect on this age group.

Question 35

How do I obtain or purchase the Moderna vaccine?

Accepted Answer

The vaccine is not available for private purchase, though Moderna&#x2019;s vaccine may be available through your country&#x2019;s health service, or through a government program. Refer to our &#x2018;basic info&#x2019; section to see if Moderna is approved in your state, or ask a civil representative to find out if Moderna is administered in your area.

Question 36

When will mass production of the Russian vaccine start?

Accepted Answer

Mass production of Sputnik V began in 2020, both within Russia and abroad. A number of countries have also begun production of Sputnik V in 2021, including India, South Korea, Brazil, and Kazakhstan.

New orders of Sputnik V are lodged continuously, and Gamaleya’s large production line will aim to meet these rising demands.

Question 37

When will Russia provide full scientific data behind the vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Phase 1, 2 & 3 results are already published in The Lancet, and are available for public viewing. In fact, these results have been available since September and November 2020 respectively, and demonstrate the safety and efficacy of Sputnik V.

Question 38

How do I obtain or purchase the Sputnik V vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Sputnik V is available in certain countries that have approved and ordered the vaccine. In any case, vaccinations are offered by government institutions and are not available for private purchase. If you would like further information, Sputnik V&#x2019;s social media accounts outline its distribution data.

Question 39

Is the Sinopharm Covid-19 vaccine safe?

Accepted Answer

As mentioned, the vaccine has not yet finished clinical trials and we await an in-depth review of BBIBP-CorV’s performance. However, as of February 2021, all of the data that we can access suggests that Sinopharm’s candidate is likely to be safe.

Sinopharm claims that so far, Phase 3 tests show the safety of its vaccine to be “good after inoculation,” and that these results meet the WHO’s standards. All data must still be analyzed by China’s drug regulatory authority.

In spite of this, there is still a possibility of unknown adverse effects in specific conditions. Those who are unsure about the vaccine should await the results of China’s phase 3 review, and receive professional counsel before taking BBIBP-CorV.

Question 40

Why do some countries report different efficacy results?

Accepted Answer

While efficacy in China was 79%, UAE has announced a higher efficacy of 86% for BBIBP-CorV.

Sinopharm says that the variance in data is down to procedural differences and that both values are indeed correct in their own right. Though this does seem slightly confusing.

It’s worth noting, however, that age, health condition, genetics and cultural background can all change a vaccine’s efficacy. The divergence in these variables between the Chinese and Arabian populations may well be another factor to consider.

Question 41

When will phase 3 trials finish?

Accepted Answer

Sinopharm’s phase 3 program is vast and has tested candidates across a wide range of cultural settings – with 10 different countries involved in trials. Since July, 60,000 people have been tested in Sinopharm trials, and the practical element of these trials has now been concluded.

The vaccine has received conditional marketing approval, suggesting its benefits outweigh any potential risks. All of the available data is now being compiled and analyzed by the Chinese health authorities, and Sinopharm awaits the results of this review. If successful, the vaccine will be granted full approval.

Question 42

How do I obtain or purchase the Sinopharm vaccine?

Accepted Answer

You cannot privately purchase the vaccine. However, Sinopharm&#x2019;s candidate may be available through your country&#x2019;s health service, or through a government program. You can check our &#x2018;basic info&#x2019; section to see if your nation has approved the vaccine, or ask a civil representative to find out if Sinopharm is administered in your area.

Question 43

What is a vaccine?

Accepted Answer

A vaccine is a biological mixture, designed to provide patients with immunity to an infectious disease, or pathogen. Vaccines either contain inactivated genetic material from the disease or a genetic sequence copied from the virus. This promotes the production of antibodies in the patient.

Question 44

Are Covid-19 vaccines safe?

Accepted Answer

Covid-19 vaccines are considered safe. Candidates are not approved until they have undergone rigorous testing over 3 stages of trials. This schedule culminates in a trial based on tens of thousands of patients.

All tests conducted on vaccines are in line with regulatory protocol, and this data is then peer-reviewed by the relevant regulatory body. Vaccines that have been submitted for approval, are not authorized without meeting adequate thresholds for safety and efficacy.

Question 45

Is it safe to get the vaccine if I am pregnant, or breastfeeding?

Accepted Answer

A large number of pregnant, or breastfeeding women have, understandably, expressed concern over the current vaccines. Data on the effect of Covid-19 vaccination in these groups is relatively limited compared to some others, but in vaccination programs thus far there have not been any reports outlining negative effects in pregnant, or breastfeeding women.

Most governments are recommending these two groups for vaccination. Pregnant women are at a higher risk of severe Covid-19 exposure, and it is thought that the benefits of vaccination outweigh the potential risks in this case. However, if you have any concerns you should consult a doctor, or qualified healthcare professional.

For breastfeeding women, scientists do not believe there are risks related to receiving a Covid-19 vaccine, nor is it thought vaccination can cause a change in breastmilk. Though, as stated beforehand, research on the matter is incomplete. The message from governments is that this group can safely receive a vaccine, although you may seek advice before doing so.

Question 46

How many shots are needed?

Accepted Answer

Most of the candidates currently on the market, or in development, are designed to be administered over two doses. These doses are generally spaced apart by around 2-4 weeks, with efficacy increasing after the second dose.

Some vaccines can be given in just a single dose. The upcoming Johnson & Johnson vaccine and CanSino’s vaccine are two high-profile examples. A single dose vaccination presents several advantages. Not only can the vaccines be administered more quickly, but a sufficient number of jabs can also be purchased for less money – as only half as many doses are needed.

Question 47

Could I have an allergic reaction to the vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Allergic reactions to Covid-19 vaccines are very rare. Notwithstanding, there have been several reports of allergic reactions to the vaccines. Some of the jabs seem to provoke this response more than others. In particular, CanSino’s vaccine has been noted for causing these reactions.

This type of reaction is known as ‘anaphylaxis.’ As a result of anaphylaxis, many governments are asking people with allergies to stay for observation 15-20 minutes after vaccination – to be certain no adverse effects occur.

Certain vaccines are considered so safe that governments have stopped this measure altogether. With other jabs, people who have a history of severe medical/vaccine allergies, or other types of severe allergy, are not recommended a coronavirus vaccine. If you are concerned, please seek advice from a healthcare professional before taking the vaccine.

Question 48

Which lasts longer, natural immunity or vaccine immunity?

Accepted Answer

The simple answer to this question is that we do not know. Not yet, anyhow.

The immunity you gain from a viral infection is known as ‘natural immunity.’ The length of time we are protected in this way varies between diseases, and we will not know this figure for Covid-19 until we have more data, analyzed over a longer period of time. We do know that recatching coronavirus within 90 days of initial infection is uncommon.

More data must also be conducted on vaccines, and how long they can provide immunity. Vaccines have not been in circulation for very long, and thus we need more time before we can fully understand how long ‘vaccine immunity’ lasts.

Question 49

Who is paying for vaccines?

Accepted Answer

Vaccines are funded in different ways, and the current crop of manufacturers is made up of profit and non-profit organizations. Most companies have received assistance in funding from governments. Moderna has received such funding from the US government, but once its obligation to the US is complete, Moderna’s vaccine is ultimately sold for profit.

Other vaccines, like Sputnik V and Oxford-AstraZeneca, are projects spearheaded by government institutions, or private companies not looking to profit from the pandemic. These vaccines are sold at a lower price, just enough to cover the cost of research, manufacture and distribution.

Question 50

If I&#x2019;ve already had Covid-19, do I need a vaccine?

Accepted Answer

It is important that you receive a Covid-19 vaccination, even if you have been infected with coronavirus in the past.

Reinfection is possible, and it is not known how long ‘natural immunity’ from the virus will last. Vaccination is the best way to strengthen your chances of immunization.

Most governments recommend that, if you have been infected by Covid-19 recently, you should wait to receive the vaccine until time has passed. This recommended period of time can range from 28 days to 90 days, or even as long as 6 months in some countries. Consult your doctor to find out about this requirement in your region.

Question 51

Will I need to be vaccinated for work?

Accepted Answer

In the majority of nations, vaccination is not enforceable by law. However, receiving a vaccination is mandatory in several professions.

For government employees and healthcare workers, vaccination is normally compulsory. Other private companies, or public-facing roles, may require employees to receive a coronavirus jab. Check with your employer and local government advisories to see if this is the case.

Question 52

When will it be my turn to get a vaccine?

Accepted Answer

Each nation, or state, has constructed its own mass vaccination plan based on factors that are specific to that region. The reasoning behind deviations could include social, cultural, and economic factors, the extent to which the virus is spreading in the region, or the supply of jabs that is available to that region.

Plans aim to vaccinate high-risk and vulnerable groups first. If you are not considered within one of these categories, you will more than likely be lower down on the waiting list for a coronavirus vaccine.

Vaccination plans, which prioritize some groups over others, aim to minimize transmission and the damage done by coronavirus. For more information on your government’s plan, seek advice from a government representative.

Question 53

Do I need a Covid-19 booster shot every year?

Accepted Answer

This question is quite hard to answer, as we are in the initial stages of vaccinating populations. We, therefore, don’t know everything about the current candidates, and we have a limited data-set on how long these vaccines can prove effective.

There are trends in certain technologies. Most viral vector vaccines (the same technology as Oxford) provide immunity for around a year, although the figure can be much higher. Inactivated vaccines (like Sinopharm’s candidate) often require booster shots – but again this is not the same for all of them.

Generally, vaccines can require a booster shot every year, two years, five years, or ten. A few vaccines even provide lifetime-immunity. The fact is that each vaccine is different, and our body reacts to every vaccine uniquely. Until we have more long-term data, we cannot know how well our bodies will retain immunity from coronavirus jabs. As a result, we don’t currently know if booster jabs are required.

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