Top Googled Health Question In California

For many of us, the first stop when we have a health question is not our doctor's office or asking friends or family — we turn to Mountain View-based Google for answers. In fact, 80 percent of American adults have used Google to search for health facts, according to the respected Pew Research Center.

We want to know everything from how to lower our cholesterol to what causes hiccups. And the information we're seeking varies by state. Prevention partnered with Google to find the top-searched health questions in every state along with reliable answers.

Here in California, people want to know how long cold sores last. The answer, eight to 12 days and see your doctor if it lasts longer than three weeks.

But what can the top health questions in other states tell us? Well, first, you may want to rethink your next vacation to Hawaii, where the top question is, "What is rat lungworm disease?" The answer: a tropical disease caused by snails and slugs. You're likely to get it by eating produce they've crawled on. There's no known treatment, but doctors will prescribe something for the "excruciating pain." Great.

It's easy to take a quick weekend getaway to Las Vegas or Reno. The top question in Nevada: How long does pink eye last? The answer is five to 15 days, and see a doctor in case it's bacterial.

The focus is on healthy eating and weight loss in several states. In Arkansas and Rhode Island people want to know about carbs; in Washington, D.C., they're worried about protein; and in North Dakota it's a basic how many calories to eat.

There are plenty of conscientious people in the country who are afraid of spreading their illnesses. People in Georgia want to know if walking pneumonia is contagious. In West Virginia they're concerned with regular pneumonia. Spreading strep throat is a big worry in Illinois and Mississippi. Texans want to keep the flu to themselves, while in Oklahoma they want to know if shingles is contagious.

You definitely want to stay away from some states if you're looking for love. In Montana, people want to know more about HPV. In Alaska they want to know how long hickeys last.

Prevention reports that their focus was on unique searches, since there was overlap from different states. See the health questions that all 50 states are Googling.

Image via Shutterstock

Also See:

• 10 Best Hospitals In California: US News And World Report
  
• Please Don't Help My Kids