Early detection of infectious diseases, such as COVID-19 and the flu, is essential to limit their spread and save lives. However, the biggest challenge is that the infection often reaches its peak before the sick person realizes they are infected. Research shows that approximately 44% of COVID-19 transmissions occurred before the onset of symptoms in infected individuals, making it difficult to isolate the disease in its early stages. How, then, can we address this challenge and break the chain of transmission before it is too late?
Smartwatches and their role in early detection
In a recent study, researchers from Aalto, Stanford, and Texas A&M Universities developed a model illustrating how smartwatches can help reduce the spread of diseases, particularly among asymptomatic individuals or in the early stages before symptoms appear. This study was published in the prestigious American journal Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences, highlighting the effectiveness of smartwatches in managing pandemics and limiting the spread of infections.
The motivation behind using smartwatches
In an exclusive statement, researcher Mart Visénorm of Aalto University in Finland explained that his team's primary motivation for using smartwatches in the fight against pandemics was the major impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on a global scale. He emphasized that by detecting the infection in its early stages, it would be possible to change the course of the pandemic, reduce pressure on hospitals, and save many lives.
With the expansion of wearable smart devices, such as smartwatches, their ability to detect early signs of disease has become more accurate. This makes us better prepared to face future health challenges. When it comes to respiratory viruses like COVID-19, smartwatches can play a key role in reducing the transmission of infections from asymptomatic individuals.
How smartwatches work for early detection
Smartwatches accurately monitor several vital body parameters, such as heart rate, respiratory rate, skin temperature, and blood oxygen levels. Through this continuous monitoring, they establish the standard for each user, making it possible to identify any sudden or persistent changes in these parameters as a potential sign of an immune response to infection. For example, heart rate may slow as the immune system begins to fight an infection, or skin temperature or heart rate may increase even before classic symptoms such as fever or cough appear. This allows for early detection of danger and alerts users.
What are the next steps ?
Smartwatches are expected to play a key role in the fight against pandemics in the future. They will become an essential part of early warning systems, helping people monitor their own health and facilitating a rapid and effective response from health authorities. However, it is also important to focus on ethical aspects and ensure full protection of user privacy.
Mart Visénorm believes that smartwatches are currently valuable tools. They can alert users to the need for medical tests, such as PCR tests or clinical examinations. While these devices provide continuous and easy monitoring, traditional medical tests are still necessary to confirm a diagnosis. However, with the continued evolution of technology, the accuracy of these watches is expected to approach that of traditional medical tests.
To maximize the benefits of this technology, it is essential to raise awareness among policymakers about its importance and integrate it into pandemic preparedness plans, so that it becomes a fundamental element of public health management tools in the future.
