How to Verify Health Information Online
The internet makes it easy to find information about symptoms, diseases and treatments — but not all sources are trustworthy. It is important to know how to distinguish reliable information from oversimplifications, misinformation and health-related myths.
Why is this important?
Search engines, websites, blogs, online forums and social media are often the first places we turn to when looking for explanations of symptoms, possible diagnoses or treatment options. While this is convenient, it also means we may encounter both high-quality information and misleading content, myths or clickbait designed to create anxiety rather than provide useful guidance.
What Should You Be Particularly Careful About?
Health misinformation does not always look suspicious. It is often presented in an attractive, emotional or highly confident way. Educational materials prepared by the Medical Research Agency highlight several recurring warning signs.
5 Simple Verification Steps
You do not need a medical degree to assess health information more critically. Often, it is enough to pause for a moment and ask a few basic questions.
01
Check the Author
Find out who is behind the information. Is the author identified by name? Do they provide their profession, affiliation or references? Anonymous profiles or influencers without relevant expertise should be approached with caution.
02
Look at the Publication Date
Medicine evolves rapidly. Information published several years ago may no longer reflect current evidence or recommendations, even if it still appears credible.
03
Check the Source
Reliable materials should refer to scientific studies, professional guidelines, expert opinions or reputable institutions. Statements such as “studies show” without identifying the studies are not sufficient.
04
Ask: Fact or Sensation?
Headlines promising a “miracle cure”, a “hidden truth” or a “simple solution to everything” are usually designed to trigger emotions. The more extraordinary the claim sounds, the more carefully it should be evaluated.
05
Compare Multiple Sources
Do not base important decisions on a single article, post or video. Check whether the same information is supported by healthcare institutions, educational resources or scientific publications.
The 3C Principle
Check
who the author is and what evidence supports their claims;
Compare
look for the same information in several independent sources;
Confirm
if something concerns you, discuss it with a physician or another qualified healthcare professional.
Where Can You Find Reliable Health Information?
Official Institutions
- Ministry of Health;
- National Health Fund (NFZ);
- World Health Organization (WHO).
Scientific Resources and Databases
- PubMed;
- materials prepared by universities and scientific societies;
- official guidelines and professional recommendations.
In practice, it is also worth paying attention to websites ending in .gov and .edu, which are often associated with governmental or educational institutions.
Medical Research Agency logo
Download the MRA Brochure
If you would like to keep these tips at hand, download the brochure “How to Verify Health Information Online? Your Health Deserves Reliable Sources”.
Important
The information provided on this page is intended for educational purposes only and does not replace professional medical advice. If any information causes concern or may influence decisions regarding your treatment, consult a physician or another qualified healthcare professional.