Tracing the Flu Symptom Progression via a Smart Face Mask

Nano Lett. 2023 Oct 11;23(19):8960-8969. doi: 10.1021/acs.nanolett.3c02492. Epub 2023 Sep 26.

Abstract

Respiration and body temperature are largely influenced by the highly contagious influenza virus, which poses persistent global public health challenges. Here, we present a wireless all-in-one sensory face mask (WISE mask) made of ultrasensitive fibrous temperature sensors. The WISE mask shows exceptional thermosensitivity, excellent breathability, and wearing comfort. It offers highly sensitive body temperature monitoring and respiratory detection capabilities. Capitalizing on the advances in the Internet of Things and artificial intelligence, the WISE mask is further demonstrated by customized flexible circuitry, deep learning algorithms, and a user-friendly interface to continuously recognize the abnormalities of both the respiration and body temperature. The WISE mask represents a compelling approach to tracing flu symptom progression in a cost-effective and convenient manner, serving as a powerful solution for personalized health monitoring and point-of-care systems in the face of ongoing influenza-related public health concerns.

Keywords: body temperature; flu symptom; respiratory monitoring; smart face mask; textile sensor.