In these unprecedented times, it’s more important than ever to use all the tools at our disposal to fight the spread of COVID-19. Scientists and researchers are constantly looking for new ways to detect and treat the virus, and smartwatch data may be our latest weapon. A recent study showed that smartwatch sensors could be used to detect early symptoms of COVID-19. This is a huge breakthrough and could help us contain the pandemic before it gets worse.
What are the symptoms of COVID 19, and how can technology help detect them early on?
COVID-19 symptoms can be divided into two categories: mild and severe. The most common symptom is fever, which can be detected by smart watch sensors that track body temperature. Other symptoms include coughing, difficulty breathing, and fatigue. Smartwatches can also be seen as they can track changes in heart rate and sleep patterns.
Severe symptoms, including pneumonia and organ failure, are more difficult to detect, but smartwatch data can still be helpful. For example, a decrease in heart rate may be an early indicator of respiratory illness.
While smartwatches cannot replace traditional methods of diagnosis, they can be used to supplement them. If you have any symptoms of COVID-19, be sure to consult with a medical professional. But if you’re healthy, wearing a smartwatch can help us all fight the pandemic by giving us early warning signs of infection.
How does the data from smartwatches help to track and monitor symptoms of COVID 19?
Heart Rate Monitor
Smartwatches are equipped with sensors that can track heart rate. This data is then transmitted to a companion app, which uses algorithms to detect changes in heart rate that may indicate illness.
If you have the following symptoms, caution the possibility of infecting COVID:
- Feeling your heart beat rapidly or irregularly in your chest
- Feeling lightheaded or dizzy, primarily upon standing
- Chest discomfort
Medical information source: Johns Hopkins Medicine
The usual heart rate for an adult is 60-100 bpm, and if the smartwatch detects a heart rate that is lower or higher than the average, it will alert to check with the doctor.
Children their heart rate is usually a little bit higher than adults. Children’s heart rate is 70-120 bpm.
Body Temperature Monitor
A smartwatch can also help detect a fever, a common symptom of COVID-19. In addition, smartwatches use sensors to track body temperature.
Typically, a human’s body temperature is lower than 37.3°C; if the smartwatch detects a body temperature that is higher than 37.3°C, it will give an alert to check with the doctor. If the smartwatch indicates that your body temperature is higher than 39°C, seek medical assistance immediately.
Blood Oxygen Monitor
A smartwatch can also help detect changes in blood oxygen levels, which can be an early symptom of COVID-19. Smartwatches use sensors to track blood oxygen levels.
An average blood oxygen level is between 95% and 100%. If the smartwatch detects a blood oxygen level lower than 95%, it is a sign of possible illness, and you should consult a doctor.
Assess your blood oxygen data on the smartwatch:
- Above 95%: Healthy, or mild COVID symptom
- 93%-94%: Moderate symptoms. Consult a doctor for help
- Below 92%: Severe symptoms. Consider emergency medical help.
Medical information source: NHS website
Sleep Monitor
If you have been infected with COVID and are under self-isolation or medical treatment, good sleep can help you recover faster, and smartwatches can help track your sleep.
There are two types of smartwatch sleep tracking: light and deep.
Light sleep is when you’re between wakefulness and deep sleep. You may be able to hear still what’s going on around you and be easily awoken.
Deep sleep is when you’re in a state of complete rest. Your body is working to repair and rejuvenate itself.
How much sleep do you need?
Most people need between seven and eight hours of sleep a day. During your recovery from COVID, sleep longer so you can recover better.
Smartwatches can help us fight the pandemic by giving us early warning signs of infection.
What other ways is technology being used to help fight the spread of COVID-19?
Technology plays a significant role in helping fight the spread of COVID-19. From contact tracing apps to smartwatches that can detect early symptoms, there are many ways that technology is helping us stay safe and healthy.
Are there any risks associated with using technology to help detect and fight COVID-19
Yes, there are always risks associated with using technology. However, the risks associated with using technology to help fight COVID-19 are relatively low. The main risk is that people may not use the technology correctly or may not understand how it works.
And also, the data or advice from a technology product cannot replace medical advice, and you should always consult a doctor if you have any concerns about your health. Smartwatch data is not 100% accurate and should not be used as a replacement for medical advice from a doctor. However, it can be helpful for early diagnostics.
Can Starmax smart watches detect COVID symptoms?
The answer is yes. Starmax smartwatches have all the necessary features to help detect early symptoms of COVID-19.
The most popular Stramax smart watches models, GTS5, GTS4, GTR1, and S5, support symptom detection features such as body temperature, blood oxygen, and heart rate (detection features vary by model). And they also support COVID recovery features such as sleep quality monitor.
