Health warning: How Fitbits can help predict flu outbreaks

The results of the study showed that by using Fitbit data, state-wide predictions of flu outbreaks were improved and accelerated. — AP

LONDON: The Fitbit on your wrist not only counts your steps and minutes of sleep, it can also help tell if you're coming down with the flu – and warn health authorities to get ready to help.

A study in the United States has found that heart rate and sleep data from wearable fitness tracker watches can predict and alert public health officials to real-time outbreaks of flu more accurately than current surveillance methods.