Should You Try an At-Home Genetic Test for COVID-19?

You might be curious what your genes have to say about your risk of catching the virus, or how bad your symptoms could be. But the science still isn't settled yet — and results from online DNA tests can vary drastically.

By Jeanne Erdmann
Nov 2, 2021 1:00 AMFeb 10, 2022 8:37 PM
At-home DNA test
(Credit: Anna Hoychuk/Shutterstock)

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One evening last spring, Robert Pyatt was scrolling through social media when an advertisement popped up for an at-home genetic test for COVID-19. According to the ad, the test could say if you’re prone to the virus, and also give your risk of severe symptoms should you end up sick.

“What is this?” Pyatt thought.

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