For today’s chart, we focus on internet users’ habits when they look for advice choosing medicines/drugs for everyday ailments such as sore throats and headaches.
Perhaps unsurprisingly, the majority still look to GPs, pharmacists and friends/family, but a considerable amount are now turning to the internet. Exactly half say they go to search engines and 46% are using medical websites, giving some context for the rise of online symptom checkers and medical advice sites, like Web MD and the UK’s NHS Choices service. 3 in 10 also say they are likely to use online blogs and discussion forums to seek medical advice for minor illness.
The importance of online sources rises notably among younger groups, suggesting that these services will become progressively more important within the healthcare industry.
