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Early detection of sickness is crucial in preventing its spread—whether it be COVID-19, influenza, or even the common cold. However, many illnesses are most contagious before individuals even realize they are sick. Research has shown that nearly 44% of COVID-19 infections were transmitted several days before symptoms appeared in the affected person.
A new study conducted by researchers at Aalto University, Stanford University, and Texas A&M suggests that smartwatches could be an innovative solution in minimizing the unwitting spread of disease among pre-symptomatic or asymptomatic individuals. Published in PNAS Nexus, the study highlights how wearable technology could serve as a powerful tool for pandemic management.
How an Early ‘Ping’ Could Flatten the Curve
Research has consistently demonstrated that wearable devices can detect physiological markers of illness days before symptoms manifest. These markers include changes in respiration and heart rate, skin temperature fluctuations, and other subtle bodily signals.
“Unlike during the pandemic, we now have concrete data on how pandemics develop and how effective different measures are in controlling their spread. With wearable technology becoming highly proficient at detecting early physiological signs of infection, we are much better prepared,” says Märt Vesinurm, a researcher from Aalto University in Finland.
The study reveals that common smartwatches can detect COVID-19 with 88% accuracy and the flu with an accuracy of 90%. Given that people naturally reduce their social interactions by 66–90% once they recognize they are sick, an early warning system powered by smartwatches could significantly curb disease transmission.
“Even at the lower end of compliance, if individuals receive and act on an earlier warning by self-isolating, the impact is substantial. A 66–75% reduction in social contact following an early smartwatch alert can lead to a 40–65% decrease in disease transmission,” Vesinurm explains.
The study also suggests that with high compliance rates—such as those seen in pandemic situations—smartwatch alerts could help halt the spread of disease altogether. This raises the question: could smartwatches help prevent a potential H5N1 (avian flu) epidemic?
“I see no reason why not,” says Vesinurm. “With more data on how different illnesses affect these physiological markers, we could potentially distinguish between diseases like bird flu, HIV, and the common cold—especially when combined with machine learning and other user data.”
Towards Smarter Pandemic Policies
The researchers are the first to integrate real-world data from peer-reviewed epidemiological, biological, and behavioral studies to mathematically model infection spread at a population level. This combination of data and technology could revolutionize both individual decision-making and public health policies.
“People are familiar with wearable devices and tend to trust them. While they are not yet diagnostic tools, they could help refine pandemic measures such as mask mandates, lockdowns, and widespread testing, making them more targeted and less intrusive,” Vesinurm notes.
An early alert from a smartwatch could prompt individuals to take precautionary actions like getting tested, wearing a mask, or avoiding contact with vulnerable individuals. Such informed choices could not only protect loved ones but also empower decision-makers with vital data.
“Governments might even consider distributing smartwatches during pandemics as a cost-effective measure—though, of course, ethical considerations would need to be addressed,” Vesinurm adds. “Either way, with early detection capabilities literally at our fingertips, there is reason for optimism.”
More Information: Terminating Pandemics with Smartwatches, PNAS Nexus (2025). DOI: 10.1093/pnasnexus/pgaf044. academic.oup.com/pnasnexus/art … 93/pnasnexus/pgaf044
Journal Information: PNAS Nexus
Disclaimer: This article is based on research findings and expert opinions. While smartwatches show promise in early illness detection, they are not a substitute for medical diagnosis or professional healthcare guidance. Individuals experiencing symptoms should consult a healthcare provider for proper evaluation and treatment.
