Skip to main contentLink to External Link Policy

Because of a lapse in Government funding, the information on this website may not be up to date, transactions submitted via the website may not be processed, and the agency may not be able to respond to inquiries until appropriations are enacted.

The NIH Clinical Center (the research hospital of NIH) is open. For more details about its operating status, please visit cc.nih.gov.

Updates regarding Government operating status and resumption of normal operations can be found at OPM.gov.

Know the Science: Finding Health Information Online

KTS Introduction

Introduction

According to results from the 2022 National Health Interview Survey, more than half of American adults (58.5 percent) use the internet as a source for health information.

Finding health information online is easy to do, but finding accurate, science-based information can take a little work. Some online sources of information on complementary health approaches are useful, but others are inaccurate or misleading.

Your search for online health information may start at a known, trusted site, but after following several links, you may find yourself on an unfamiliar site. Is it trustworthy? Navigate through this module to find tips for identifying accurate information from reliable sources.

Remember: Don’t rely on online resources alone when making decisions about your health. If you’re considering a complementary health approach, discuss it with your health care provider.