Electric Forest 2025 attendees have been buzzing about lingering coughs post-fest, sparking heated debate across the r/electricforest community.
Many festival-goers reported persistent coughs with minimal other symptoms, pointing fingers at the infamous “wook flu,” typical camp infections, or the dense, dusty forest air blended with vapes. A subset shared COVID-positive cases within their circles, despite testing negative themselves. One self-styled COVID doc suggested these coughs could be elusive COVID infections not detected by standard tests.
Others leaned into environmental explanations: heavy dust exposure during the multi-day experience irritating lungs and causing prolonged coughing spells. Seasoned fest veterans recommended packing N95 masks or bandanas to shield against dust and grime in future years.
Health advice rapidly circulated: warm saltwater gargles, antihistamines, MucinexD, rest, hydration, and supplements like N-Acetyl Cysteine to soothe respiratory irritation.
While Electric Forest organizers have yet to release official statements addressing these health concerns, past festival commitments to attendee safety—such as partnerships with harm reduction groups—underscore a continuing focus on wellness.
The takeaway for 2025: Monitor your respiratory health closely, seek COVID testing if symptoms worsen, and consider bringing protective gear like masks and portable air filters. Electric Forest’s signature dust and the lingering presence of pandemic viruses seem to keep many in a post-fest hacking haze.
For full community conversations and firsthand stories, visit the r/electricforest thread.
Source: r/electricforest