3 Coronavirus FAQs rrom NPR

Environmental & Science Education, STEM, Health, Medicine

Ed Hessler

MPR's Goats and Soda: Stories of Life in a Changing World serves up three independent and important Coronavirus FAQs. Mammograms, vaccine ingredients and sniffers, dogs who sniff masks found on sidewalks and streets.

I pulled out a point for each but remind you that a full explanation is included so please read them.

--What is the sequence: mammogram or vaccine first? The Society of Breast Imaging recommends that it be done before receiving the vaccine or 4-6 weeks following the second injection

--Anti-vaccination groups have a long record of propagating  myths about the safety of vaccines. The only two vaccines licensed for use in the U.S. Pfizer and Moderna have one "active" ingredient and in each of the vaccines it is identical. The other ingredients are used to maintain the vaccine from manufacturer to your upper arm. Each is discussed.

--What is the risk to the sniffers and their owners of doing what dogs do: sniff their way through life? Contracting COVID-19 is "extremely unlikely." With a tip for those wanting to be sure that they are safe after their pooch encounters a discarded mask.

The FAQs were written by Sheila Mulrooney Eldred and Pranav Baskar. Eldred lives in Minneapolis. The FAQs are introduced with a lively and colorful cartoon.