WHAT YOU NEED TO KNOW: What is valley fever? Valley fever, or coccidioidomycosis, is an infection caused by a fungus. You can get the infection if you breathe in the fungus germs. The germs are found in soil and dust in parts of the United States, Mexico, Central and South America. In the United States, most cases of valley fever occur in California, Texas, Arizona, and New Mexico. What are the signs and symptoms of valley fever? You may develop the following flu-like symptoms 1 to 4 weeks after you breathe in the fungus: - Cough or trouble breathing
- Fever, chills, or night sweats
- Chest, joint, or muscle pain
- Tiredness or headache
- A rash
- Tender, swollen, red lumps on your legs
- Loss of appetite or weight loss
How is valley fever diagnosed? Your healthcare provider will ask about your symptoms and examine you. Tell him if you have traveled recently or if you work outside. You may need any of the following tests: - Blood tests may show the fungus that causes valley fever.
- A sample from your throat or the inside of your nose may be needed. You may need to cough mucus into a cup. A cotton swab may be used to get a sample from an open rash or wound. These are tested for the fungus that causes valley fever.
- An x-ray may show signs of infection, such as swelling and fluid around your lungs.
- A lung biopsy may be done to test for signs of a fungal infection. Lung tissue is removed and sent to a lab for tests.
How is valley fever treated? Your symptoms usually go away on their own. It may take up to 2 months for your symptoms go away. You may need any of the following: - NSAIDs, such as ibuprofen, help decrease swelling, pain, and fever. This medicine is available with or without a doctor's order. NSAIDs can cause stomach bleeding or kidney problems in certain people. If you take blood thinner medicine, always ask your healthcare provider if NSAIDs are safe for you. Always read the medicine label and follow directions.
- Cough medicine may help soothe your throat and decrease your urge to cough.
How can I manage my symptoms? - Rest as directed. Slowly start to do more each day.
- Drink liquids as directed to help prevent dehydration. Ask how much liquid to drink each day and which liquids are best for you.
- Use a cool mist humidifier to increase air moisture in your home. This may make it easier for you to breathe and help decrease your cough.
- Record the color and amount of sputum you cough up. Bring this record to your follow-up visits.
Call 911 for any of the following: - You have severe chest pain.
- You have trouble breathing or your breathing seems faster and more shallow than usual.
- You are confused or sleepy.
When should I seek immediate care? - Your lips or nails turn blue.
- You cough up blood.
- You have a headache, a stiff neck, and a fever.
When should I contact my healthcare provider? - Your symptoms do not improve within 2 months.
- You have night sweats for longer than 3 weeks.
- You lose more than 10% of your weight.
- You cannot work because of your symptoms.
- Your lymph nodes are swollen.
- You have questions or concerns about your condition or care.
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