Using AI for Health Information Safely

Many people ask AI about symptoms, medicines and test results. It can help you understand, but it isn't a doctor.

General information only, not medical advice. In an emergency, contact your local emergency services.

• Explaining a medical term or what a test measures.
• Preparing questions for your appointment.
• Summarising leaflets or discharge notes in plain language.
• Organising symptom diaries and medication schedules.
• General information on healthy habits.

• Self-diagnosing or ruling out serious conditions.
• Changing, stopping or combining medication on AI advice.
• Relying on it for emergencies or urgent symptoms.
• Sharing identifying health data with tools whose privacy you haven't checked.

1. Treat answers as a starting point and confirm with a clinician or pharmacist.
2. Ask it to explain uncertainty and list questions for your doctor.
3. Check against trusted sources such as national health services.
4. Seek urgent care for chest pain, trouble breathing, stroke signs, severe bleeding or anything that worries you.
5. Share the minimum personal detail needed.

AI chat can be a place to organise thoughts, but it isn't therapy or crisis support. If you or someone you know is in danger or at risk of self-harm, contact local emergency or crisis services right away.

AI can help you ask better questions and understand your care. Decisions about diagnosis and treatment belong with qualified professionals.