The Patient's Internet Handbook
Chapter 1
Consumer health information on the Internet


Overview of chapter
In matters pertaining to health few people subscribe to the view that 'ignorance is bliss'. On learning that we, or a close friend or relative, are suffering from a particular medical condition one of the first things we do is try to find some more information about the illness.

In finding answers to these questions, your doctor is always the best person to ask. Indeed, only he/she is aware of your specific circumstances and medical history. In the past couple of years, however, the development and widespread availability of the Internet have transformed access to health information. Information on any matter relating to health is now never more than a few mouse-clicks away.

Some examples of the type of health information you can find on the Internet are highlighted below.

# learn how to conduct an effective breast self-examination
# identify the health risks of holidaying in West Africa
# understand the relative risks pertaining to measles, mumps, rubella (MMR) vaccine
# learn, through interactive tutorials, what happens during heart surgery


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