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Before you start
- Use the healthcare services appropriate to your country.
- Do not wait for an online answer in a medical emergency.
A clear way through this guide.
We’ll show you one step at a time. When you’re ready, press Done — next step. You can go back or take a break whenever you like.
5 steps · Your own pace
Understand online symptom checkers
Step 1 of 5: Check who operates the service
Look for the provider’s name, intended users and stated purpose. Avoid treating an app-store rating or the words ‘AI powered’ as evidence of medical accuracy.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 2 of 5: Separate diagnosis from triage
NHS 111 online in England asks questions to advise what help to seek and when. It does not give a diagnosis. Its stated service is for people aged five and over.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 3 of 5: Use the appropriate urgent route
In the UK, call 999 for a life-threatening emergency. For urgent help when it is not an emergency, follow the appropriate local NHS route; England offers 111 online or telephone 111.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 4 of 5: Answer carefully and read the result
If using an official triage service, answer its questions accurately and follow its stated next steps. Do not change answers simply to obtain a more reassuring result.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Step 5 of 5: Ask a professional when needed
Contact a healthcare professional when directed, when information is unclear or when you remain concerned. Do not start, stop or change treatment on the strength of a general chatbot response.
✓ Step complete. You can practise it again.
Take your time. Next marks this step done.
You’ve finished this guide.
Every step is complete. You can come back and practise again whenever you like.
Your small practice task.
Bookmark your local official healthcare service before you need it.
Completing the guide records your progress here; it does not check your device settings.
A common question.
Can a checker tell me for certain that nothing is wrong?
No. An online result depends on its purpose, limitations and your answers. Follow official advice and seek appropriate care rather than using it as certainty.
Official help, if you need it.
These links provide the product’s own instructions or relevant public guidance. Settings can differ by model and software version.