Introduction
With so much information at our fingertips these days, it’s more tempting than ever for us to turn to the internet to self-diagnose health problems and find out how to combat conditions that might put our health and wellbeing at risk. From questions about aches and pains, skin conditions, STIs and sexual health to queries about travel health, the morning after pill and vaccinations, the World Wide Web is often the first port of call for health.
At LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, we have created the ‘Searching your symptoms’ infographic to raise awareness about the ills and advantages of the internet as a health tool and to provide tips and advice on how you can make sure that what you’re reading on the net is credible and trustworthy. To inform our infographic, we conducted a detailed survey to collect data on how and why people are currently using the web to resolve their health woes instead of seeking advice from a medical professional face-to-face, and we think you’ll find the results are rather interesting.
Conclusion
It’s clear that searching your symptoms online has its dangers. However, if used correctly, the internet has the power to revolutionise healthcare. At LloydsPharmacy Online Doctor, we’re leading the way in our commitment to providing reliable, trustworthy information and advice on a range of health issues. No more trying to get an appointment at your doctor’s surgery just because you’re going on holiday. No more awkward conversations at the sexual health clinic. No more having to find a pharmacist in an emergency. Our team of highly qualified, fully trained doctors are on hand to support you online at a time that suits you. We offer a wide range of services, from STI home testing kits to free travel vaccine assessments. We’re discreet and professional, providing you with access to safe, effective treatments. To find out more about us, visit: onlinedoctor.lloydspharmacy.com
References
- http://www.wonderoftech.com/cyberchondria/
- https://en.oxforddictionaries.com/definition/cyberchondriac
- http://www.shropshirestar.com/news/2016/04/20/shrewsbury-mum-who-saved-son-by-googling-symptoms-calls-for-more-money-for-brain-tumour-research/
- http://www.telegraph.co.uk/news/health/news/11760658/One-in-four-self-diagnose-on-the-internet-instead-of-visiting-the-doctor.html
- https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2013/oct/09/cyberchondriac-internet-ill-self-diagnose-symptoms
- http://www.deconstructors.com/pop-culture/got-cyberchondria/
- http://uk.businessinsider.com/googling-symptoms-terrible-symptom-checker-2015-7
