What You Need to Know About the Sahara Dust Plume & Your Health

Earlier this week, meteorologists discovered a dust plume that will impact the U.S., specifically affecting residents in southeastern states. Summer dust storms are relatively common in other parts of the world and typically don’t cause such a buzz here, but this one has gained national attention due to its impact on U.S. residents.

What is a dust plume?

A dust plume is a collection of scattered dust particles, also referred to as the Saharan Air Layer which is a normal occurrence during Spring and Fall seasons.  The Saharan Air Layer refers to the area 20,000 feet above Earth’s surface which carries the dust plume from Africa across the ocean.

This year the collection of particles is thicker than normal and has shown up on satellite images which heightened concern and conversation as the cloud moves closer to the U.S.

How will the dust cloud impact COVID-19?

According to health experts, those who have upper respiratory conditions and already on high alert for COVID-19, need to make sure they protect themselves from the dust plume.

Dr. Holly Phillips, RxSaver medical expert, stresses these effects, “Dust can trigger breathing difficulties for people with underlying conditions like asthma, COPD and emphysema.  Even for those without pre-existing respiratory concerns, such extremely poor air quality can have adverse effects.”

The key is to make sure air filters and purifiers are used in your home and ensure these air filters are clean or changed out in advance. Keep extras on hand too. It’s important to not further irritate air passageways and stay indoors as much as possible as the cloud makes its way over the United States.

How to protect yourself from the dust plume?

As we’ve been practicing during the pandemic, it’s critical to pay attention to what’s going on outside. “The best approach is to stay indoors whenever possible and wear a mask if you need to step outside,” Phillips offers. As the cloud moved through the Caribbean this past weekend, “hazardous” air quality alerts were detected.

The plume is slated to hit Florida, Texas and other southeastern states by Wednesday, however, the cloud could change direction.  It’s important to keep tabs on the impact especially for residents in southern states.

Make Sure Prescriptions Are Not Expired and Available

If you have an inhaler prescription or any medication tied to allergies or an upper respiratory condition, now is the time to ensure those medications are up to date and on hand. “Whether you use an inhaler daily or just keep one on hand in case of exacerbations, take second to double that your prescriptions are current and refills are up-to-date.”

Be sure to check out RxSaver™ to find the cheapest price on your prescription medications before filling at nearby pharmacies.