US-bound Sahara sand storm could worsen Covid-19 symptoms

A gigantic sand storm is heading towards the southern United States, Mexico and the Caribbean and has raised fears that people suffering from the coronavirus could experience more acute symptoms associated with Covid-19 and lead to people mistakenly believing they have been infected by the global pandemic.

A similar storm hit the Americas last year and this one is expected to arrive next week. People with allergies, asthma and respiratory problems could be affected by the sand storm, which can cause flu, coughing and itching in the eyes, all of which can be confused with symptoms of Covid-19. Residents in the areas likely to be in the path of the storm are advised to wear face masks as the most effective protection against inhaling particles and in the case of people with severe respiratory issues or asthma, to remain indoors.

Experts say storm cannot cause Covid-19 spread

While experts have stressed that the storm itself cannot cause someone to become infected with the novel coronavirus or aid the spread of the disease, warnings have been issued that the small particles in the giant cloud of sand could aggravate symptoms in people who have already been diagnosed with Covid-19.