The current trend for online self-diagnosing proves bad for our health, as more and more people are misinformed.

If you’re feeling under the weather, what’s the first thing you do? Have a hot lemon? Hunt out the Paracetamol? Contact your local GP? Or consult Dr. Google?

Increasing numbers are turning to the internet to interpret their own symptoms and self-diagnose their ailments. But a recent study has shown the information people find is not always trustworthy – and many are left feeling confused and distressed, jumping to incorrect conclusions about their conditions.

Research commissioned by healthcare experts Bupa has found the majority of adults use the internet for health advice – a whopping 79% will browse the net for information if they’re feeling ill.

And worryingly, more than four in five of respondents said they had found conflicting health information online – 84% of those surveyed by YouGov had discovered a big variation of information available, much of it contradictory and therefore unclear.

In fact, 30% of survey respondents said they felt ‘confused’, with 20% saying they felt ‘frustrated’. Furthermore, 14% of participants reported feelings of concern or anxiety – adding unwanted stress, and potentially worsening the initial problem.

In terms of seeking certified medical advice as a follow up to internet browsing, less than half said they were likely to visit a medical professional after reading online information – only 41%.

Just over three-quarters (76%) claimed that a ‘quality mark’ would be useful, to indicate where sources were credible, however 73% were unaware of "The Information Standard" which provides such a mark.

The Information Standard is a government-backed organisation that offers certification to NHS-approved healthcare advice, in terms of quality and reliability.

Dan Wills, assessment and development manager at The Information Standard, said: "Across England, thousands of organisations produce health and care information for the public which varies greatly in terms of quality and reliability.

"With the use of smart phones and tablets we have large amounts of this information at our finger tips but how can you tell which information is trustworthy?

"The Information Standard is one method by which to check the information you are reading."

Dr Paula Franklin, medical director at Bupa UK, said: "It is hardly surprising that people are feeling confused and frustrated when looking for health advice online, given the amount of information out there.

"People want to know more about their health and wellbeing than ever before so it is essential that they know where to get trusted and clinically approved advice, and are aware of the risks of reading unqualified health information."

An incorrect self-diagnosis could play havoc with your life insurance premiums. By assuming you have an illness and declaring it to your insurer your costs could potentially increase – entirely unnecessarily.

Never Google your symptoms. Don’t Bing, or Yahoo, or Ask Jeeves – he’s not a doctor either. If something is not right and you feel genuinely ill, always consult a medical professional – seeking certified medical advice will save you a lot of unnecessary worry, and with your health you can never be too careful.

In terms of your life insurance, contact us today to speak to a specialist, trained advisor who can make a recommendation based on your personal requirements.

Essential Insurance does not just match prices through comparison sites – we assess your situation as an individual, and provide the best, most comprehensive policy for your needs, and at the lowest price.