Yesterday, comScore launched a press release stating that the growth of the online health category has grown with 21 percent over the last year. This is more than four times the growth rate of the total U.S. Internet population.

John Mangano, senior director, comScore Pharmaceutical Marketing Solutions states:

Improved site functionality, increased content personalization, and overall consumer acceptance of the Internet as a source for health information have helped to breathe new life into the health information category

Most sites have become vibrant online communities rooted in sharing experiences and advice, rather than simply being one-way information resources for the consumer. As Google and Microsoft ramp up efforts with their respective health sites, Google Health and Microsoft HealthVault, it will be interesting to see how the category continues to evolve.

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