| Publication: | Herald Sun |
|---|---|
| Date: | 19 November 2009 |
| Section: | National |
Georgie Pilcher
SICK Australians are dodging the doctor and heading straight to the internet to self-diagnose their woes.
More than 75 per cent of Australians use the internet to self-diagnose, with Gen Y and women the busiest web medicos.
Research reveals increasing numbers of young people are using the internet to find out what is wrong because they are embarrassed to share intimate details with a doctor.
A national online survey by health insurer HCF found 62 per cent of women and 52 per cent of men went online as soon as an unfamiliar health issue arose.
More than half of those aged 18-34 said they were too embarrassed to talk to a GP.
Twenty two per cent of 55 to 64-year-olds said they, too, were scared to see the doctor, so went online.
Despite the trend, 65 per cent of people said they didn't trust the online advice so went to the doctor anyway.
Australian Medical Association Victoria president Dr Harry Hemley warned yesterday: "It's important to treat the internet as an information tool and not as a substitute for medical care.
"Always see your doctor for professional diagnosis and treatment. Otherwise, you may be wasting time, money and emotional energy taking care of a disease that you don't actually have.
"Always see your GP if you have any health concerns. Doctors have had many years of training and can diagnose with reference to the specific needs of the patient."
Building a close relationship with your GP may prevent you feeling embarrassed, the AMA said.
The survey also revealed 70 per cent of Australians were happy with their health.
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