How important is blood oxygen saturation for a runner?

Pulse oximetry has become a particularly hot topic with COVID-19. Sales of finger pulse oximeters in the United States rose 527 percent the week the first COVID-19 case was confirmed, and have since continued to grow according to data released by Quartz.

“COVID-19 is a virus that attacks the lungs, and obviously it can potentially affect the ability to deliver oxygen to red blood cells,” Parsons says. A pulse oximeter, in theory, could alert someone to a potential Covid symptom.

However, “disease-related respiratory symptoms aren’t always related to SpO2 levels,” Parsons says. This means you may be sick and feel pretty bad, but your pulse oximeter reading may be normal. “And vice versa.”

With Covid, the catch is that your oxygen levels probably won’t drop until the disease is more severe. But, “if someone thinks they have the virus – let’s say they have mild symptoms, runny nose or don’t smell or have a cough – in that context, monitoring oxygen levels can be helpful,” says Malhotra.

However, a smartwatch with SpO2 level measurement is not a reliable way to avoid contracting the coronavirus or to monitor the symptoms of COVID-19. It is best to stick to the advice of the experts: wash your hands regularly, wear the mask and keep the spacing as much as possible. If you notice symptoms of Covid, stay home, take a test, and take a break from running until you get a diagnosis, as exercise and COVID-19 can be a dangerous combination.

Otherwise, tracking your vital signs and watching out for any significant abnormalities is never a bad idea and may be a good enough warning to seek medical attention. At worst? They send you home with a certificate of good health.

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