Sure, when one is under the weather there are telltale signs. If it’s a common cold, it may start with an unexpectedly scratchy throat, which causes a momentary panic followed by denial. I am not getting sick. Body aches and feeling fatigued may indicate some type of infection. Placing a hand on someone’s forehead is about the most high tech we tend to get at this stage of illness. It doesn’t have to be this way.
I am quite ill at the moment, and patiently waiting on the results of the self administered COVID-19 test I took yesterday. When the pandemic broke, learning that fever was a common symptom, I realized I didn’t own a thermometer and putting my hand on my own forehead probably wouldn’t cut it. But an article in the Times sold me on buying the Oura ring and it has provided me with meticulously detailed information to confirm what I already knew: I’m sick.
Look at these wonderful charts:
The Oura confirms my worst fears, but is also soothing as it relieves me from the angst of thinking that perhaps I’m imagining my symptoms. When your resting heart rate suddenly climbs 10 beats per minute, combined with increased respiratory rate and 2° of body temperature, you’re not imagining anything.
When I wasn’t sick, checking the Oura each morning was very calming as I happily proclaimed my excellent health. While I worried about my less than optimal REM and Deep Sleep, the Oura assured me those weren’t directly in my control, and offered tips on how to get improved sleep quality.
Now that I am sick, my expectation is that the Oura will be the Coast Guard Cutter making its way to my stranded vessel in the icy waters of feverish chills as it starts to show me improving trends. I won’t have to float in a dizzy fog of uncertainty, trying to subjectively determine if I’m “feeling better.” The Oura will tell me, in no uncertain terms, when things start returning to baseline and when I can expect to declare victory for my immune system, who quietly does its job without ever seeking a parade or any praise at all.
This morning, as I stood at my dresser with an aching head and a heavy heart, I opened my Oura app to see how bad things were. While the results were bad, Oura was kind and gently asked how I was feeling and told me to take it easy today Big Guy. Rest and recover. Thank you my little electronic friend.
Joe's Blog 