A lay referral network consists of friends, family, and others in a person’s social context that may influence an individual’s response to symptoms or perceived health threats. It may aid an individual in labeling symptoms, identifying their etiology, or improving symptom management. If one’s lay referral network includes people with disease, one may be sensitized to certain symptoms. For example, individuals with a family history of heart disease may be more vigilant about recognizing symptoms of chest pain or shortness of breath. Surprisingly, consultation with others may result in either being encouraged or delayed in seeking medical attention. Delays in entering the medical treatment setting may be due to (1) the time-consuming nature of seeking out others and discussing symptoms, (2) reduced anxiety about one’s well-being following discussion with a strong social support network, and (3) encouragement from others to continue to fulfill one’s normal responsibilities and not seek medical care.