Search online for common symptoms like “headache,”“fever” or “body aches,” and suddenly you may find yourself disinfecting your home and considering a self-imposed quarantine,“just in case.” There is no need to scare yourself into a disease that you don’t have.
You may have read through helpful online forums or reached out to friends via social media to inquire whether your unusual headache or pain is indeed something to worry about. According to a 2013 Pew Research Center study, 23 percent of people have followed or heard about a friend’s health experience through social networks and 34 percent have read blogs, e-newsletters or forums posted online.
In fact, the study found that 80 percent of people have searched online for information about a health issue.
One in three Americans went online to diagnose a medical condition.
Of the information found online, 46 percent of people followed up that tip with a visit to the doctor.
Only 41 percent of people found that their doctor confirmed the internet diagnosis.
While you may think your symptoms are scary enough on their own, opening yourself up to an internet full of “knowit alls” can also be harmful in the long run.
Since most people are looking online for health answers for themselves or for close family members, it’s easy to get emotional and start thinking worst-case scenario.Worrying about a self-diagnosis can harm your emotional well-being, whereas a doctor could readily answer your questions and address your concerns. Similarly, if you actually have a serious condition and brush it off, you may be making yourself worse.
Medical professionals are able to listen to patient symptoms and ask important follow up questions in order to arrive at the right diagnosis. Additionally, an exam allows doctors to see the problem up close and recognize things you may not realize are relevant. Diagnostic tools like lab tests and imaging devices help provide a clearer picture.
Doctors Express Urgent Care in South Plainfield is a state-of-the-art urgent care center open extended hours seven days a week.Walk-ins are welcome, most insurance plans are accepted, and they offer a comprehensive suite of in-house services that include digital x-rays and on-site lab testing.All patients are treated by board-certified physicians and wait times are comparatively short. It is located at 907 Oak Tree Avenue, Oak Park Commons (near the Super A&P) in South Plainfield. For more information, call 908-222-3500. Doctors Express is open weekdays from 8 a.m. to 8 p.m. and weekends from 8 a.m. to 5 p.m.