Checking a health claim before you believe or share it

Five questions

1. Who is behind it?

   A health ministry, a university hospital or a national medical library is more reliable than an anonymous account.

2. What is the evidence?

   Look for the original study or official source, not just a quote from it. See types of study.

3. How recent is it?

   Medical advice changes; check the date of the source and whether it has been updated.

4. Is it selling something?

   Be careful with claims attached to a product, especially “miracle” or “secret” cures.

5. Does it apply to you?

   A result in older adults, or in one country, may not apply to everyone.

Warning signs

• Promises that sound too good to be true, or one cure for many diseases.
• Advice to stop a prescribed treatment.
• No named source, or a source you can't open.

When in doubt, don't forward it — ask a health professional.

Sources

• Evaluating Health Information — MedlinePlus — U.S. National Library of Medicine. Checked 2026-09-26.

Editorial update: 2026-09-26.

Medical disclaimer: this is a source-linked educational summary, not individual medical advice, diagnosis, prescription or interpretation of personal results. For severe or rapidly worsening symptoms, call 115.