Apple Watch frighteningly predicts flu and Covid DAYS before symptoms start – users say they had no idea they were getting sick

Apple Watch owners have been shocked by the latest update, which can predict illnesses before symptoms even begin.

The device has already been acclaimed for its ability to identify heart problems and detect falls in the elderly.

However, the new Vitals app – available with the latest WatchOS 11 operating system – was able to predict common illnesses including flu and Covid.

The software analyzes heart rate, respiratory rate, pulse temperature, blood oxygen and sleep duration – to monitor everyday health.

Users have now reported that their Apple Watch has detected subtle changes in their bodies and flagged potential health issues.

The new features are part of the WatchOS 11 update – available on series 8 devices – and launched in September

Reddit user @DaleThomas81 was notified of three outliers that predicted he would get sick in the next few days

The device has long been used by fitness fanatics to monitor health trackers, but the new Vitals app provides a much greater amount of detail

A Reddit user shared a screenshot of his vitals, which revealed that an important measurement – ​​his wrist temperature – was above normal.

The app detected a spike on two consecutive days that triggered an alert.

A notification on the device warned the Reddit user that he was going to get sick.

On the third day, the Reddit user came down with the flu.

The user noted: ‘I woke up today feeling sick. Now, as the night approaches, I start to feel that old, familiar headache. I’m sick.’

They weren’t the only Apple Watch users to notice the surprising new feature.

“I started using Vitals when it came out and have since gotten sick twice,” wrote one user on Reddit.

‘Both times he knew a few days in advance and I didn’t feel anything was wrong.’

On X, formerly known as Twitter, Rory Evans said: ‘My Apple Watch picked up a few things on my vitals days before I tested positive for Covid!

“Such smart and very useful technology to have – especially in such a fast-paced world.”

Users were shocked when they shared the news, as one commented: ‘I didn’t even realize the Apple Watch measures wrist temperature until I saw this post…’

A different user said they had the same experience: “Mine too, I’m still sick but I noticed it before I did.”

Users also noted that the app identified unusual readings related to their vaccines before they began to experience any side effects.

“My watch knew I wasn’t 100% after my COVID and flu shots as all three vitals (pulse temperature, heart rate and respiratory rate) were discrepant and that’s how I knew I wasn’t ok, amazing to be honest,’ said one Reddit user.

Apple does not claim that it can miraculously diagnose or treat medical conditions.

Instead, the company positions the app as a tool for users to get better context about their health.

Users can then choose to turn on notifications if the watch takes measurements outside the normal range.

“When two or more metrics are outside their normal range, users may receive a notification, along with a message detailing how changes in those specific metrics may be linked to other aspects of their life, such as elevation changes, alcohol consumption or even illnesses,” said an Apple spokesperson.

‘Vitals uses an algorithm developed with real-world data from the Apple Heart and Movement Study, research that aims to advance understanding of the links between heart health and physical activity.’