WebMD Launches Covid-19 Symptom Checker

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NEW YORK, NY, April 14, 2020 -- WebMD has launched a new Covid-19 Symptom Checker to give consumers who are concerned they may have the virus practical next steps based on their symptoms and personal profile.  Powered by a proprietary algorithm developed by WebMD’s medical team and driven by the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the World Health Organization (WHO) guidelines, this new tool offers clear direction based on symptoms, possible exposure, and high-risk medical conditions.   

“The Covid-19 Symptom Checker guides someone to specific action steps they should take based on the likelihood that they have the condition, have been exposed to Covid-19, and their risk of serious illness,” said Michael W. Smith, M.D., MBA, CPT, WebMD’s Chief Medical Director.  “The Covid-19 platform is designed to help address the current uncertainty about what someone should do based on their risk and potentially help alleviate undue stress on the already overburdened health care system.”  

To view/use the tool, visit https://healthytoday.news/coronavirus/coronavirus-assessment/default.htm%3C/a%3E.%3C/p%3E%3C/section%3E%3Csection%3E%3Cpagebreak />

Using the new tool, consumers input symptoms, personal information, including underlying health conditions and age, and any possible exposures to either Covid-19 positive people or situations known to increase risk.  The platform then delivers immediate guidance, such as ways to continue to protect oneself during social distancing, whether someone should self-isolate, steps they should take to prevent the possible spread, and whether they should call their doctor to discuss possible testing.  

Regardless of next steps, all users are instructed to practice CDC guidelines for social distancing, handwashing, face masks and other hygiene protocols.  The platform also delivers up-to-date information on staying healthy, boosting immunity and reducing risk. The tool will be continually updated as the clinical situation unfolds and guidelines change.

“As WebMD physicians, we saw that people were dealing with a great deal of confusion and fear about Covid-19,” said Brunilda Nazario, M.D., WebMD Lead Medical Director.  “We designed the Covid-19 Symptom Checker to address that anxiety and bring some clarity.  The Covid-19 Symptom Checker funnels personalized, pertinent information that users need to know with easy-to-understand explanations about next steps.”