"Coachella Cough" May Take You by Surprise — Here's How to Prepare

Coachella, or "Beychella" as some of us are still calling it, is right around the corner and if you're familiar with the annual music festival then you know it's where thousands of people and influencers gather in Indio, California to serve fun street-style looks while enjoying music from some of their favorite artists. But more importantly it's home to lots of dust and wind — and with that comes a genuine health concern. Many Coachella-goers past have complained of something called "Coachella cough" or "festival flu".

While not a technical medical term, Coachella cough refers to the cough or series of flu-like symptoms that festivalgoers experience after being exposed to dust storms, high winds, and second-hand smoke for several days at a time. Not to mention the copious amounts of pollen projected to be in the air throughout the week, which can also contribute to the mixture of cough, congestion, sneezing, sore throat, and other flu-like symptoms known as Coachella cough or festival flu.

One 2023 attendee described her lungs as "drowning in dust" after the festival. Another person who attended in 2022 shared a "What's in my bag" video to show what she packs in order to help protect herself from Coachella cough, including a bandana, eye drops, cough drops, hand sanitizer, and face masks.

If you're heading to Coachella this year, don't go unprepared. Ahead, here's everything you need to know about Coachella cough, including how to protect yourself from it and other illnesses while attending the music festival.

Coachella cough is a colloquial term used to describe the cough and other flu-like symptoms many festivalgoers experience during or after Coachella. It is also sometimes referred to as festival flu. Symptoms of festival flu are similar to the common cold and can also include the following, per Respiratory Therapy Zone, an educational platform for respiratory therapists and students:

Coachella cough typically lasts 3 to 7 days, Respiratory Therapy Zone states. But it can persist for up to 2 weeks. If your symptoms are worsening or persist beyond that, you should see a doctor.

When it comes to Coachella cough, dust and high winds are going to be your primary assailants. While face coverings are not currently required at Coachella, attendees do wear face masks or bandanas to protect against desert dust (and for style, too). The American Lung Association also lists the following best practices for avoiding festival flu:

It's also important to remember that COVID-19 is still prevalent. Although rates have declined, the virus continues to kill people every day, according to data from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Safety measures like frequent hand washing or sanitizing and distancing yourself from large groups (when possible) should not be underestimated. If you or a friend is feeling ill and require medical assistance Coachella advises that you locate your nearest medical tent or alert festival personnel.

Remember: Coachella is supposed to be fun — and it's an insanely memorable way to enjoy music. But it's important to be smart and mindful of your own health (as well as those around you), so that the only thing you're bringing back home are those good memories.

Ambre Winfrey is a POPSUGAR contributor.