CORPUS CHRISTI, Texas — Not only has the rain and thunderstorms made it way to the Coastal Bend today.
But the annual Saharan dust came in too!
The dust is made of sand and mineral particles that travel from the Saharan desert through the Atlantic. It usually arrives in the Coastal Bend around this time every year.
Sometimes, it can trigger people's allergies, asthma or other respiratory issues.
All the more reason to grab your mask before you head out the door this weekend.
And health experts want to advice you that the Saharan dust could also mimic COVID-19 symptoms.
“If you're susceptible to having respiratory problems either because you have allergies or you have asthma or COPD or any of those diseases, this can definitely make those symptoms worse,” said Santiago Encalada, a pediatric pulmonologist at Driscoll Children’s Hospital. “So with everything that's happening right now with the Saharan Dust and COVID-19, now is the time for us to step up the game."
People with existing respiratory illnesses are advised to stay indoors or take extra precaution when going outside.
The Saharan Dust is expected to move out of the Coastal Bend by Monday.
