Warning to parents NOT to use Facebook groups for medical advice

A survey of Australian mothers’ groups on Facebook has found on many occasions the medical advice being shared is wrong and downright dangerous!

While it may be quick and easy with instant replies, Facebook groups aren’t the best place to turn to when you are desperate for help when your child is sick.

A recent survey found 19% of the advice given when mums jump on Facebook for help is WRONG! 2% of the advice given is downright dangerous.

This includes –
Old wives tales
Remedies that could make the condition worse
Medication for breastfeeding mums that goes against guidelines
Dangerous dosage rates for children that could lead to an overdose.

One quarter of Aussie mums don’t know the maximum dose allowed per day for Panadol and Nurofen. This is alarming and could result in overdose.

It is important to remember while it is easy and reassuring to turn to Facebook for advice, these people are usually NOT experts and the best advice you can seek is from healthdirect.gov.au page or contact 1800 022 222

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15 Comments

- - mom183717 said
  - 12 Jun 2016
    8:13 am
Der. I can’t believe women take this advice and don’t see a dr

- - mom113991 said
  - 24 May 2016
    7:43 am
So true. Everyone has their own opinion and quite often give wrong advice, I always just seek medical advice.

- - mum4107 said
  - 24 May 2016
    5:34 am
Couldn’t agree more. I usually reply with, see a doctor

- - mom156049 said
  - 23 May 2016
    10:42 pm
facebook is the go to for nearly all questions… but like anything, everyone has a different opinion / knowledge

- - sharna_booth_weinrowski said
  - 23 May 2016
    8:12 pm
wow surprised that people do not realise this!

- - BellaB said
  - 23 May 2016
    4:44 pm
I’m really surprised people need to be told this.

- - rachelvk said
  - 23 May 2016
    4:01 pm
Facebook or the internet can be an easy and quick way to get a diagnosis but seriously lets not be lazy, if your child is unwell get them to a doctor, if you are even slightly worried (worried enough to turn to the internet) get them to a doctor.

- - mom92217 said
  - 23 May 2016
    3:19 pm
I am sorry if you are using Facebook for medical advice that is silly like using google too see a doctor heal this nothing to be silly about

- - Nas01 said
  - 23 May 2016
    3:01 pm
I never go to social media or the net for medical advise.

- - mom160421 said
  - 23 May 2016
    2:24 pm
I hope parents are not turning to the internet for medical advice because it’s getting too expensive to go see your GP. I know that despite being in a private health fund and paying my medicare levy, I’m still around $42.00 out of pocket every time I see my GP. This can get very expensive for a family, but I wouldn’t risk my family’s health by following random advice.
- damish70 replied
  
  23 May 2016 , 9:05 pm
  I’m so glad you advised to call Healthdirect where you speak to Registered Nurses. They always give the best advice 24/7 & it’s just a phone call away!
- - mom90758 said
  - 23 May 2016
    1:37 pm
I didn’t even imagine that people trust so much Facebook’s advices. Better be careful indeed.
But I must admit I often rely on Google to look up medical information. I try to go to medical sites though, and generally compare the results of at least 3 different websites. And if I have some doubts, I write them down and ask the questions to my GP when I next meet her.

- - mom112217 said
  - 23 May 2016
    1:24 pm
You would consult your doctor for medical advice not the internet!

- - Thejoysof3boys said
  - 23 May 2016
    1:08 pm
This world is becoming so reliant on the internet. It’s worrying.

- - mom81879 said
  - 23 May 2016
    1:07 pm
This is so scarey! You only have to read Panadol and Nurofen bottles to find out the maximum daily dosage yet parents claim not to know them? Not good!