Crowdsourcing a medical diagnosis for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) throughout various health communities on the Internet has become a new trend, a JAMA study showed.1
Many Internet users are sharing images of STDs, such as genital sores or rashes, with the public, followed by a detailed description of their symptoms. Answers from other users are usually within minutes of the original post.1
The study found that 90% of posts received a reply in the course of 24 hours. In addition, 20% of the people asked the crowd for a second opinion after already being diagnosed by a medical professional for STDs.1
Experts say that the crowdsourcing trend might stem from a lack of money to pay for medical services or setting up a timely appointment with a doctor. However, this trend has stirred up mixed opinions with different doctors across the country.1
Dr. Amesh Adalja sees an opportunity in utilizing health care through social media. "This phenomenon should be seen as an opportunity for health care providers to engage with patients on social media to ensure accurate diagnosis and advice is being given," said Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center on Health Security in Baltimore who also reviewed the JAMA study. "Exploiting the ease of social media inquiry will likely become an increasingly important way to interact with patients."2
On the other hand, STD specialist Dr. Ina Park sees the downfall of crowdsourcing. “For those who already have a medical diagnosis and are still seeking a second opinion through crowdsourcing, I do think it’s potentially dangerous because you have no idea who’s giving you this advice and their expertise.”1
References
- Some crowdsource their STD diagnosis on the internet. Here’s why that’s dangerous to everyone. CNN Health. https://www.cnn.com/2019/11/05/health/stds-reddit-crowdsource-wellness/index.html. Published November 5, 2019. Accessed November 6, 2019.
- ‘Hey, What is This?’: Social media, not docs, increasingly diagnosing STDs. U.S. News. https://www.usnews.com/news/health-news/articles/2019-11-05/hey-what-is-this-social-media-not-docs-increasingly-diagnosing-stds. Published November 5, 2019. Accessed November 6, 2019.
Social Media Plays a Major Role in Diagnosing Sexually Transmitted Diseases
Crowdsourcing a medical diagnosis for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) throughout various health communities on the Internet has become a new trend, a JAMA study showed.
Crowdsourcing a medical diagnosis for sexually transmitted diseases (STDs) throughout various health communities on the Internet has become a new trend, a JAMA study showed.1
Many Internet users are sharing images of STDs, such as genital sores or rashes, with the public, followed by a detailed description of their symptoms. Answers from other users are usually within minutes of the original post.1
The study found that 90% of posts received a reply in the course of 24 hours. In addition, 20% of the people asked the crowd for a second opinion after already being diagnosed by a medical professional for STDs.1
Experts say that the crowdsourcing trend might stem from a lack of money to pay for medical services or setting up a timely appointment with a doctor. However, this trend has stirred up mixed opinions with different doctors across the country.1
Dr. Amesh Adalja sees an opportunity in utilizing health care through social media. "This phenomenon should be seen as an opportunity for health care providers to engage with patients on social media to ensure accurate diagnosis and advice is being given," said Adalja, a senior scholar at the Johns Hopkins Center on Health Security in Baltimore who also reviewed the JAMA study. "Exploiting the ease of social media inquiry will likely become an increasingly important way to interact with patients."2
On the other hand, STD specialist Dr. Ina Park sees the downfall of crowdsourcing. “For those who already have a medical diagnosis and are still seeking a second opinion through crowdsourcing, I do think it’s potentially dangerous because you have no idea who’s giving you this advice and their expertise.”1
References
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New Human Case of H5N1 Bird Flu Confirmed in Missouri, CDC Reports
Despite the new human case, which is not known to be related to animal exposure, the CDC emphasizes that risk to the general public remains low.
FDA Authorizes New Drug Application For Trial to Evaluate Treatment for Long COVID
Bezisterim, an anti-inflammatory insulin sensitizer, will be authorized to proceed to a phase 2 clinical trial.
Climate Variability, Extremes Allow Emergence and Propagation of Cholera Strains
The researchers found that unusual and dramatic changes in weather as well as heavy rainfall helped aid in the pathogen’s evolutionary change.
Study Finds Intermittent Fasting May Offset Alzheimer Disease Risk, Support Treatment Goals
The study may serve as a foundation for future investigation regarding dietary recommendations to support the treatment of Alzheimer disease.
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The findings show that inhibiting connexin 43 significantly improves multiple sclerosis symptoms in an experimental mouse model.
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The CDC says that even if travel is less than 2 weeks away, unvaccinated individuals should still receive a dose of the measles, mumps, and rubella vaccine for protection against the disease.