The ability to discreetly search symptoms online via search engines has
revolutionized medicine as we know it. Becker’s Hospital Review,
a leader in healthcare industry news and trends, recently shared
“The most-Googled disease in each state.” TermLife2Go, an independent agency that researches life insurance companies,
used Google Trends to compile the list of search popularity.
Virginia: Human Papillomavirus (HPV)
Human papillomavirus (HPV) was the most Googled disease among Virginians.
In fact, HPV far surpassed other searches nationwide, with 17 of the 50
United States having HPV as their most popular Google disease search.
And it’s no wonder HPV ranked among the top diseases searched, as
it is the most common sexually transmitted infection (STI). HPV can be
spread through unprotected vaginal, anal, or oral sex and also from mother
to baby through pregnancy, labor, or nursing. Prevention and early detection
are crucial.
Here are some fast facts on HPV:
It’s common - There are approximately
14 million newly diagnosed cases of human papillomavirus (HPV) annually. Most sexually active men
and women will contract HPV at some point during their lifetime.
It’s more than a virus - Each year, around
19,400 women and 12,100 men in the U.S. are affected by cancers that stem from HPV, including cervical cancer.
It’s preventable - There is no cure, but vaccines (recommended for youth between 11-12 years
of age) can protect against infection. Routine screenings conducted by
primary care providers, gynecologists, and urologists, can provide early
diagnoses that allow for management and prevention of cancers that may develop.
If you think you may have HPV, are interested in the preventative vaccination,
want to be screened or require additional consultation, visit a Valley Health
Primary Care office,
Multispecialty Clinic or
Urgent or Quick Care near you.
West Virginia: Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD), Stroke, Kidney
Disease and Rheumatoid Arthritis
Not one disease, but several were the topics most – Googled by West
Virginians. Here are some fast facts about each disease:
Chronic Obstructive Pulmonary Disease (COPD)
-
It’s the
third leading cause of disease-related death in the U.S.
- It’s a long-term lung disease makes breathing difficult.
- Symptoms include a lingering cough.
-
It is preventable and treatable -
The main cause of COPD is smoking; however, nonsmokers can develop COPD due to secondhand smoke, exposure
to pollution, dust and chemicals/fumes, genetic predispositions and/or
a history of respiratory infection.
-
Support exists in our community -
click here to learn more about
Living Well with COPD, a free program offering education and group classes.
Stroke
-
It’s common - On average, someone suffers a stroke every 45 seconds and someone dies
of a stroke every 3.1 minutes.
-
It’s preventable - Many healthcare professionals believe that 80% of all strokes can be
prevented. Reduce your risk by removing excess weight, high cholesterol
and high blood pressure, as well as not smoking.
-
It’s detectable - Remember to act F.A.S.T. (Face drooping, Arm weakness, Speech difficulty,
Time to call 911).
-
Valley Health Winchester Medical Center (WMC) has been certified by The
Joint Commission as an Advanced Primary Stroke Center. To learn more, visit
this page.
Kidney Disease
- Symptoms include fluid retention, fatigue and affected urine output (less
or more)- these develop slowly and are often identified by a laboratory
test or medical imaging.
- Medications can help manage symptoms.
- In late stages, dialysis or transplant may be needed.
-
Those with chronic kidney disease may benefit from Valley Health’s
Epogen (EPO) Clinic.
Rheumatoid Arthritis
- Rheumatoid Arthritis is an autoimmune disorder that affects the lining
of joints.
- Symptoms include painful swollen joints, stiffness and even fever and loss
of appetite.
-
While there is no cure, intervention can help slow the disease’s
progression. To learn more about Valley Health’s specialty care options,
click here.
Valley Health offers support for all types of chronic diseases. To learn
more about support groups, programs and treatment, visit
this page.
View the full list of most-Googled diseases online at https://www.beckershospitalreview.com/quality/the-most-googled-disease-in-each-state.html.