Staying Safe In the Digital Age

By P.K. Daniel

In this era of so-called “fake news,” healthcare providers say it’s important for patients to be mindful about the source of content on the Internet and be able to identify evidence-based health information.

Allergists recommend viewing websites of leading asthma and allergy organizations, clinics or lay groups.

Recommended websites:

• Allergy & Asthma Network (AllergyAsthmaNetwork.org)
• American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI.org)
• American College of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (ACAAI.org)
• American Lung Association (lung.org)
• Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA.org)
• Cleveland Clinic (clevelandclinic.org)
• Food Allergy Resources and Education (foodallergy.org).
• Mayo Clinic (mayoclinic.org)

“Information on these websites is credible, up to date, medically reviewed and accurate,” says allergist and immunologist Bob Geng, MD, of the Severe Asthma Clinic at Rady Children’s Hospital in San Diego.

He adds: “Doctors and medical institutions must get better at using social media and other nontraditional ways of informing and educating our patients. We have to embrace technology – or else ‘fake news’ sources will embrace it instead and patients will be increasingly misinformed.”