Doctor's Day Special - “I Googled My Symptoms…”: 10 Things That Drive Doctors Crazy

This Doctor’s day, let’s give real heroes the respect they deserve—not second opinions from search engines.

On July 1st, India celebrates Doctor’s Day — a tribute to the tireless dedication of medical professionals. But behind every calm, smiling doctor is someone who has probably heard this sentence far too often:

“I checked it on Google, and I think I know what it is…”
In the modern era of instant information and WhatsApp forwards, doctors are increasingly finding themselves competing with the internet for their patients’ trust. Undoubtedly, patient awareness is required, but overconfidence in self-diagnosis often leads to confusion, delay in treatment, and of course — a whole lot of cringing.
So here’s a close look at 10 things patients usually say that make doctors want to hit Ctrl + Alt + Delete on Google itself.

"I read online that antibiotics cure viral fever."

Cringe Factor: 9/10

Scientifically, antibiotics don’t kill viruses. Doctors have been busting this myth for decades. Misusing antibiotics not only delays recovery but also builds unwanted resistance, making future infections tougher to treat.

"Can you prescribe something ‘mild’? I don’t like strong medicines."

Cringe Factor: 8/10

Remember, medicine isn’t a café menu. Dosages are always based on necessity, not taste. Diluting treatment procedure compromises your health, not your bitterness threshold.

"I already took a pill my cousin gave me, just needed your confirmation."

Cringe Factor: 10/10

Self-medicating using someone else’s prescription is not only dangerous—it can be lethal too.

"I don’t have a fever now, so I stopped the medicine."

Cringe Factor: 9/10

After fever or any disease, even if symptoms are gone, it doesn't necessarily mean you are completely cured. Doctors prescribe a full course for a reason. Stopping medicines midway leads to relapse or worse—drug resistance.

"I Googled my symptoms, and I think it’s cancer."

Cringe Factor: 7/10

Google never comes with clinical judgment. Jumping directly into worst-case scenarios increases anxiety, delays required treatment, and leads to unnecessary expensive tests.

"Can I get a prescription without a checkup? Just WhatsApp it."

Cringe Factor: 9/10

Medicine isn’t your grocery list. Nowadays, teleconsultations are valid, but asking for blind prescriptions is both unethical and illegal.

"My neighbour had the same thing, and this worked for him."

Cringe Factor: 8/10

Every human body is different. What works for one could harm another person. Medicine is always personalised—no two cases are ever truly the same, even among family members.

"I saw a reel where turmeric cures everything."

Cringe Factor: 10/10

Ayurveda and home remedies can complement, not replace, modern medicine. Believing everything told on social media trends is dangerous and irresponsible.

"I already ordered medicines online based on my search."

Cringe Factor: 9/10

Online pharmacies are of course convenient but can’t diagnose or guide. Taking unverified medication based on self-diagnosis is the perfect recipe for a health disaster.

"Doctor, it’s probably nothing serious. Just give me something to feel better."

Cringe Factor: 7/10

Ignoring the root cause just to feel better is equivalent to putting a band-aid on a fracture. Relief without diagnosis is temporary and highly risky.