Smartwatches: The Future of Pandemic Prevention?

Could your smartwatch become a frontline defender against future outbreaks? Emerging research suggests that these devices might detect early signs of illness, potentially providing a head start in containing the spread of infectious diseases like COVID-19 and the flu.

Early Detection: A Game Changer

A recent study highlights how smartwatches can identify subtle changes in the body, such as temperature fluctuations or altered sleep patterns, before symptoms even appear. This early detection capability could be pivotal in reducing disease transmission.

“Even before a person starts showing symptoms of disease, there are physiological changes that happen to their body – like an increase in temperature or a change in sleeping pattern – that are usually too subtle for a person to notice but that can be detected by a smartwatch,”

—Dr. Martial Ndeffo-Mbah, Assistant Professor

Studies show that as many as 44% of COVID-19 infections were spread by individuals before they displayed any symptoms (CDC).

How It Works: Personal Warnings

Smartwatches could encourage people to adhere to health guidelines more diligently. By translating early indications of illness into real-time alerts, these devices make the risks feel more immediate, even if you feel fine.

Testing gaps could be filled by smartwatches. These tools could help people know when to test, especially as the most common testing occurs when people feel ill or need to travel.

By using real-time alerts, smartwatches provide a strong motivation for individuals to adhere to health protocols. Early treatment may also help people avoid the worst symptoms, particularly for immunocompromised individuals.

The future of disease prevention may rest on our wrists. With the appropriate tools, smartwatches could make a substantial difference when it matters most. Pandemics move quickly, but smartwatches could help us stay ahead.