Alliance for Pandemic Preparedness

May 13, 2020

Real-Time Tracking of Self-Reported Symptoms to Predict Potential COVID-19

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  • Menni et al. examine implementation of a smartphone-based app for tracking COVID-19. 2.6 million participants used the app to report their potential symptoms. Among 18,401 who had undergone a SARS-CoV-2 test, the proportion who reported loss of smell and taste was higher in those with a positive result (4,668 of 7,178; 65%) than in those with a negative result (2,436 of 11,223; 22%). A model combining symptoms to predict probable infection predicted that 140,312 (17%) participants are likely to have COVID-19.  

Menni et al. (May 11, 2020). Real-Time Tracking of Self-Reported Symptoms to Predict Potential COVID-19. Nature Medicine. https://doi.org/10.1038/s41591-020-0916-2