How to Navigate Health Information Online: A Guide Parents Can Trust for Pain and Fever Management

• Trust Science-Backed Strategies: Confidently navigate online health advice by relying on science-backed information, like peer-reviewed articles based on the results of clinical studies.

• Be Critical of Online Sources: Evaluate health information by checking for trusted authors, up-to-date content, and evidence-based recommendations.

• Seek Out Expert-Approved Guidance: Turn to resources like the TYLENOL® website for tips and information on effective product options for your family.

When your child isn’t feeling well, your first instinct may be to reach for your phone and look for answers. You’re in good company. Nearly 90% of parents look online first when a child is sick,¹ but 40% say they have difficulty evaluating whether that information shared on social media is truly trustworthy.² With so many websites, posts, and opinions competing for attention, the search for reliable health information can quickly shift from comforting to overwhelming.

Dr. Kunal Sood sees this every day. As a double board-certified anesthesiologist and interventional pain specialist with more than a decade of experience, he regularly helps families navigate online advice and understand what’s credible.

“In moments of worry, we all deserve clear, science-backed information we can trust,” Dr. Sood said. “The internet can absolutely be a helpful tool, but the key is knowing how to distinguish reliable guidance from the unreliable.”

With that in mind, Dr. Sood shares practical, empowering advice to help families make confident decisions about their health, even in a world of endless search results.

Not all online health advice is created equal. Some information is accurate and helpful. Other information can be outdated, misleading, or simply wrong. Parents making decisions about a sick child just want guidance they can trust to ensure their child’s safety and well-being.

While most Americans look up health information online,³ many feel unsure about how to verify what they find. Unreliable information can lead to using the wrong treatment or overlooking symptoms that require medical attention, causing unnecessary stress during an already emotional moment.

You don’t need to memorize every guideline, but knowing how to pause and evaluate the source before acting is one of the simplest ways parents can put control back in their hands — and protect their family’s health.

There is plenty of health guidance online, but not all of it is trustworthy. Learning a few simple cues can help you quickly filter out unreliable advice.

Here are questions Dr. Sood encourages families to ask:

• Who is the author? Look for licensed medical professionals or reputable health organizations, not anonymous writers or influencers offering anecdotal advice.

• Where is the information published? Bookmark credible resources like the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), Mayo Clinic, the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP), and the World Health Organization (WHO).

• Is the content current? Medical recommendations evolve. Reliable articles note when they were reviewed or updated, ideally within the past 2-5 years.

• What evidence supports it? Trusted information is grounded in clinical research, credible sources, and science-backed explanations.

If a source can’t explain why a treatment works or how it’s supported by evidence, it’s a red flag. When looking for answers, parents should prioritize information that provides clear, transparent explanations.

To support families, the TYLENOL® health library provides medically reviewed, evidence-based guidance on topics ranging from children’s dosing to tension headaches, helping parents navigate care with more clarity and confidence.

Dr. Sood reminds parents that, while online tools are helpful, they don’t replace your doctor. If something doesn’t seem right or you’re unsure about symptoms, you should reach out to your child’s healthcare provider.

Navigating health information online doesn’t have to feel overwhelming. By evaluating sources, recognizing red flags, relying on evidence-based resources, and consulting your doctor when you’re unsure, families can feel more confident in their decisions.

Dr. Sood offers one final reminder: “Searching for information is not the problem. It’s about knowing how to judge what you find. Once you have that skill, the internet becomes a tool in supporting your family’s health and well-being rather than adding confusion.”

By leaning on credible resources and expert guidance, parents can feel equipped, informed, and empowered to care for the people who matter most.