# How the New Wrist Temperature Feature of the Apple Watch Series 10 Assisted Me During My Illness
There’s never really an opportune moment to fall ill, but it becomes particularly exasperating when it coincides with significant events, such as a getaway or a competition. Regrettably, I found myself in just this predicament while on the road for a half-marathon, struck down by what appeared to be a food-related illness. Yet, amid this unpleasant health hurdle, my **Apple Watch Series 10** turned out to be an essential companion, enabling me to track my health, especially using its **Wrist Temperature** feature.
## Why I Made the Switch to the Apple Watch Series 10
I’ve always appreciated the Apple Watch, not only for its fitness monitoring features but also for its capacity to track various health metrics. When I transitioned from the **Apple Watch SE 2** to the **Apple Watch Series 10**, I was genuinely eager to explore the new **Vitals** feature in **watchOS 11** and **iOS 18**. This upgrade, along with the Series 10’s supplementary health sensors, promised a more detailed assessment of my health.
Among the most captivating enhancements was the **Wrist Temperature** sensor, which measures body temperature during sleep. For this feature to work optimally, however, activating the **Sleep Focus** mode nightly is essential. I had just set up this mode right before my trip, making it a fortunate choice.
## How the Apple Watch Monitored My Fever
As I began experiencing symptoms like dizziness and stomach discomfort, I suspected I might be falling ill. That evening, I turned on the **Sleep Focus** mode on my Apple Watch, enabling it to monitor my vitals throughout the night. The following morning, although I felt a bit better, I was eager to check the data recorded by my watch.
As anticipated, the **Apple Watch Series 10** indicated a notable increase in my **Wrist Temperature** overnight, confirming that I had developed a fever. The temperature data revealed that my body temperature had surged by over **1.5°C (2.7°F)** from my baseline, reaching **37.5°C (99.5°F)**. This information was crucial for gauging the severity of my ailment.
## The Significance of Baseline Information
It’s essential to understand that the **Apple Watch Series 10** does not act as a thermometer on demand. Instead, it tracks variations in temperature over time, offering insights based on shifts from your usual baseline. Hence, enabling the **Wrist Temperature** feature for at least a week prior is necessary for it to yield useful data.
In my instance, I had already been utilizing this feature for more than a week, allowing the watch to accurately detect the fever. Without this baseline information, the temperature readings would not have been as beneficial.
## Additional Health Metrics Monitored by the Apple Watch
Aside from the **Wrist Temperature** data, the **Vitals** function in the **Health app** on my iPhone notified me of other heightened health metrics, such as my **heart rate** and **respiratory rate**. These indicators further validated that my body was combating an infection.
Curiously, the **Gentler Streak** app, which I rely on for fitness tracking, also alerted me to take a break due to the irregular health statistics. This served as a timely reminder to prioritize rest and recuperation instead of exerting myself excessively.
## The Contribution of the Apple Watch in Health Monitoring
While the **Apple Watch Series 10** played a crucial role in tracking my fever and other health metrics, it is vital to acknowledge that it isn’t a diagnostic tool. The watch can provide significant data, but it is not a replacement for professional medical counsel. In my situation, I had the necessary medications at hand and managed my symptoms without needing a doctor’s visit. Nonetheless, had my condition deteriorated, I would have sought medical help and utilized the watch’s data to inform my healthcare provider.
## Looking Forward: The Advancement of Wearable Health Technology
The **Apple Watch Series 10** has demonstrated to be a robust device for health monitoring, particularly in tracking subtle shifts in vital signs. However, this is only the beginning. As wearable technology progresses, we can anticipate even more sophisticated health sensors and algorithms that will deliver deeper insights into our health.
For now, I’m thankful that my **Apple Watch** was there to monitor my health during a tough period. It’s comforting to know that I possess a device capable of tracking significant health metrics, even when I’m not at my best.
## Final Thoughts
The **Apple Watch Series 10** and its **Wrist Temperature** feature proved to be immensely valuable during my short illness. While it didn’t foresee my sickness beforehand, it supplied critical data that was helpful.
