Skip to main content
  1. Home
  2. Web
  3. News

Google to start highlighting health information in search results

Trevor Mogg
By

Google search
Image used with permission by copyright holder
While Google searches on health matters can often prove useful, they can also lead you to believe you have a terminal illness when you don’t.

And with 1 in 20 inquiries on the Web giant’s search engine relating to health issues, that means there must be a lot of stressed people out there wondering if they’re going to make it to the end of the month when actually they’ll be making it to the end of many more months yet.

Recommended Videos

Mindful of people’s penchant for health-related Web searches, Google is setting out to offer up results in a more organized fashion, with links to information that’s first been reviewed by medical experts.

Related

Links to the approved content will soon start appearing prominently at the top of the results page, giving users fast access to the information they’re looking for.

“We’ll show you typical symptoms and treatments, as well as details on how common the condition is – whether it’s critical, if it’s contagious, what ages it affects, and more,” Google’s Prem Ramaswami explained in a blog post. “For some conditions you’ll also see high-quality illustrations from licensed medical illustrators. Once you get this basic info from Google, you should find it easier to do more research on other sites around the Web, or know what questions to ask your doctor.”

Ramaswami is keen to point out that while the highlighted information will hopefully “empower you in your health decisions by helping you learn more about common conditions,” anyone with a medical concern should really see their doctor rather than attempt to self-diagnose using Google.

Still, displaying fact-checked medical information more prominently seems like a smart move by the Web company, and one that will hopefully calm a user’s internal worries about a particular condition, or confirm that a speedy visit to the doc is in order.

The new feature is being rolled out in the U.S. in the next few days, with more countries and medical conditions added over time.

Editors' Recommendations

Topics
Trevor Mogg
Trevor Mogg
Contributing Editor
Not so many moons ago, Trevor moved from one tea-loving island nation that drives on the left (Britain) to another (Japan)…
Google starts showing virtual doctor options in Search and Maps
Google Logo

As part of efforts to slow the spread of the coronavirus, some medical facilities are currently discouraging visits in person. But pandemic or no pandemic, many ailments won't simply disappear and so sometimes we need to get help.

In such a scenario, Google wants to assist. The web giant recently announced it will begin highlighting health facilities that offer consultations over a video connection, enabling you to avoid a potentially busy waiting room thereby reducing person-to-person contact.

Read more
Google video thanks health care workers for coronavirus efforts
google video thanks healthcare workers for coronavirus efforts a doctor in suit and mask to avoid covid 19

“How can I help medical workers?”

“Where can I donate medical supplies?”

Read more
Google Maps wants businesses to add coronavirus information
Google Logo

With cases of the coronavirus, also known as COVID-19, yet to peak in most countries, there’s likely to be plenty of disruption in the coming months as stores, restaurants, and other customer-facing businesses deal with staff shortages caused by illness, self-isolation, and the like.

With that in mind, Google is encouraging business owners to make sure they keep their “my business” listings for Maps and Search up to date should the virus impact their daily operations.

Read more