What is Valley Fever? Symptoms, Causes, & Treatment

Valley fever is a lung infection caused by breathing in tiny fungal spores that live in desert soil. Most people who get valley fever develop mild flu-like symptoms that clear up on their own within weeks or months. While it sounds scary, this infection is very treatable, and many people recover completely without needing any medication at all.

What is Valley Fever?

Valley fever is an infection caused by a fungus called Coccidioides that grows naturally in desert soils. When soil gets disturbed by wind, construction, or farming, the fungus releases microscopic spores into the air that you can accidentally breathe in.

The infection primarily affects your lungs, much like pneumonia does. Your body's immune system usually fights off the infection on its own, which is why most cases are mild. The name "valley fever" comes from California's San Joaquin Valley, where doctors first identified this condition in the 1930s.

This fungal infection is also known as coccidioidomycosis or "cocci" for short. Unlike other infections, you cannot catch valley fever from another person or animal. You can only get it by breathing in the fungal spores from contaminated soil.

What are the Symptoms of Valley Fever?

About 60% of people infected with valley fever never develop any symptoms at all. When symptoms do appear, they typically start 1 to 3 weeks after exposure and feel very similar to a bad cold or flu.

The most common symptoms you might experience include:

• Persistent cough that may bring up thick, yellow or blood-tinged mucus
• Fever and chills that come and go
• Fatigue that feels more intense than usual tiredness
• Shortness of breath, especially during physical activity
• Chest pain that worsens when you cough or take deep breaths
• Headaches that feel different from your typical headaches
• Muscle aches and joint pain throughout your body
• Night sweats that soak your clothes or bedding

Some people also develop a distinctive rash with red, painful bumps on their legs or a lacy, red rash on their chest and back. This rash, sometimes called "desert rheumatism," is actually a sign that your immune system is responding well to the infection.

Most people start feeling better within a few weeks, though fatigue and cough can linger for several months. The good news is that having these symptoms usually means your body is successfully fighting off the infection.

What Causes Valley Fever?

Valley fever is caused by the Coccidioides fungus, which thrives in hot, dry desert climates. This fungus lives quietly in the soil for most of the year, but when conditions are right, it releases spores that become airborne and can be inhaled.

You're most likely to be exposed to these spores during certain activities or conditions:

• Dust storms or high winds that stir up large amounts of soil
• Construction, excavation, or archaeological work in desert areas
• Farming, gardening, or landscaping in affected regions
• Military training exercises in dusty desert environments
• Outdoor recreational activities like hiking, camping, or off-road driving
• Living near construction sites or areas with frequent dust storms

The fungus is most active during dry periods followed by rain, which helps it grow and then release spores when the soil dries out again. Even something as simple as driving with your windows down in dusty areas can expose you to the spores.

Valley fever is most common in the southwestern United States, particularly Arizona and California's Central Valley. It also occurs in parts of Nevada, New Mexico, Utah, Texas, and some areas of Mexico and Central America.

When to See a Doctor for Valley Fever?

You should contact your healthcare provider if you develop flu-like symptoms that last longer than a week, especially if you live in or have recently traveled to areas where valley fever is common. Early diagnosis can help prevent complications and ensure you get appropriate care.

Seek medical attention promptly if you experience:

• Severe shortness of breath or difficulty breathing
• Chest pain that's getting worse instead of better
• High fever (over 101°F) that doesn't respond to over-the-counter medications
• Coughing up blood or thick, discolored mucus
• Severe headaches or stiff neck
• Confusion or changes in mental clarity
• Symptoms that worsen after initially improving

If you have a weakened immune system due to medications, medical conditions, or pregnancy, it's especially important to see a doctor early. People with compromised immune systems are at higher risk for developing severe complications from valley fever.

What are the Risk Factors for Valley Fever?

Anyone can get valley fever if they're exposed to the fungal spores, but certain factors can increase your risk of infection or developing more severe symptoms. Understanding these risk factors can help you take appropriate precautions.

Geographic and environmental risk factors include:

• Living in or visiting southwestern United States, especially Arizona and California's Central Valley
• Working outdoors in construction, agriculture, or archaeology
• Being exposed to dust storms or participating in activities that disturb soil
• Spending time in areas with ongoing construction or excavation

Certain groups of people face higher risks for severe valley fever:

• Adults over 60 years old
• People with weakened immune systems from HIV, cancer treatments, or organ transplants
• Individuals taking medications that suppress the immune system
• People with diabetes or chronic lung diseases
• Pregnant women, especially during their third trimester
• People of Filipino, African American, Native American, or Hispanic descent

The increased risk in certain ethnic groups isn't fully understood, but it appears to be related to genetic factors that affect how the immune system responds to the fungus. This doesn't mean you'll definitely get sick, but it does mean you should be extra cautious about exposure and seek medical care early if symptoms develop.

What are the Possible Complications of Valley Fever?

While most people recover from valley fever without any lasting problems, complications can occur in about 5-10% of cases. These complications are more likely if you have risk factors or if the infection isn't recognized and treated appropriately.

The most common complications involve the infection spreading beyond your lungs:

• Chronic pulmonary valley fever, where lung symptoms persist for months or years
• Lung nodules or cavities that may require ongoing monitoring
• Disseminated valley fever, where the infection spreads to other parts of your body
• Skin infections with painful sores or ulcers
• Bone and joint infections causing persistent pain and swelling
• Brain and spinal cord infections (meningitis), which is rare but serious

Disseminated valley fever is the most serious complication, occurring in less than 1% of cases. This happens when the fungus spreads through your bloodstream to other organs. People with weakened immune systems, pregnant women, and certain ethnic groups are at higher risk for this complication.

The good news is that even these serious complications are treatable with antifungal medications. Early diagnosis and treatment significantly reduce the risk of complications and improve outcomes.

How Can Valley Fever be Prevented?

Complete prevention of valley fever is challenging because the fungal spores are naturally present in desert environments. However, you can significantly reduce your risk by taking practical precautions, especially if you live in or visit areas where valley fever is common.

Here are the most effective ways to protect yourself:

• Stay indoors during dust storms and on windy days when dust levels are high
• Keep windows and doors closed during dusty conditions
• Use air conditioning with good filtration rather than evaporative cooling
• Avoid outdoor activities like hiking or camping during dust storms
• Wear N95 or P100 respirator masks when working in dusty environments
• Wet down soil before digging or disturbing it
• Drive with windows closed in dusty areas

If you work in construction, agriculture, or archaeology in affected areas, talk to your employer about additional safety measures. This might include providing proper respiratory protection, scheduling work to avoid dusty conditions, or using water to control dust.

People at high risk for severe valley fever should be especially careful about exposure. If you have a compromised immune system or other risk factors, discuss prevention strategies with your healthcare provider.

How is Valley Fever Diagnosed?

Diagnosing valley fever can be tricky because its symptoms are very similar to other respiratory infections like pneumonia or flu. Your doctor will consider your symptoms, where you live or have traveled, and your risk factors to determine if valley fever testing is needed.

The diagnostic process typically starts with your medical history and physical exam. Your doctor will ask about recent travel to areas where valley fever is common, outdoor activities, and any exposure to dust or construction sites.

Several tests can help confirm a valley fever diagnosis:

• Blood tests to look for antibodies your immune system makes against the fungus
• Chest X-rays to check for lung inflammation or abnormalities
• CT scans for a more detailed view of your lungs if needed
• Sputum cultures to grow the fungus from mucus you cough up
• Skin tests that show if you've been exposed to the fungus

Blood tests are the most common way to diagnose valley fever. These tests look for specific antibodies that your body produces when fighting the infection. It can take several weeks after exposure for antibodies to show up, so your doctor might repeat the test if the first one is negative but symptoms continue.

Getting an accurate diagnosis is important because valley fever treatment is different from bacterial pneumonia treatment. Antibiotics won't help with valley fever since it's caused by a fungus, not bacteria.

What is the Treatment for Valley Fever?

The good news about valley fever is that most people recover without any treatment at all. Your immune system usually fights off the infection on its own, and symptoms gradually improve over weeks to months.

For mild cases, treatment focuses on managing symptoms while your body heals:

• Rest and plenty of fluids to help your body fight the infection
• Over-the-counter pain relievers like ibuprofen or acetaminophen for aches and fever
• Cough medicines to help with persistent coughing
• Avoiding activities that make you short of breath

Antifungal medications are prescribed for people with severe symptoms, high risk factors, or complications. The most commonly used antifungal drugs include fluconazole, itraconazole, and amphotericin B for very serious cases.

Your doctor might recommend antifungal treatment if you:

• Have severe lung symptoms or pneumonia
• Are at high risk for complications due to your age or health conditions
• Have symptoms that are getting worse instead of better
• Develop signs that the infection is spreading beyond your lungs
• Have a weakened immune system

Antifungal treatment usually lasts 3 to 6 months for uncomplicated cases, but can continue for years if the infection has spread. Your doctor will monitor your progress with regular check-ups and blood tests to ensure the medication is working effectively.

How to Take Care of Yourself at Home During Valley Fever?

Taking care of yourself at home plays a crucial role in your recovery from valley fever. While your body fights off the infection, there are several things you can do to feel more comfortable and support your healing process.

Focus on getting plenty of rest and staying well-hydrated. Your body needs extra energy to fight the infection, so don't push yourself to maintain your usual activity level. Drink water, herbal teas, or warm broths to stay hydrated and help thin mucus in your lungs.

To manage your symptoms effectively:

• Use a humidifier or breathe steam from a hot shower to ease coughing
• Take warm baths to soothe muscle aches and joint pain
• Eat nutritious foods to support your immune system
• Avoid smoking and secondhand smoke, which can worsen lung symptoms
• Sleep with your head elevated to reduce coughing at night
• Take over-the-counter medications as directed for fever and pain

Monitor your symptoms closely and keep track of any changes. Most people notice gradual improvement over several weeks, though fatigue and cough can linger for months. If your symptoms worsen or you develop new concerning symptoms, contact your healthcare provider promptly.

Remember that recovery from valley fever can be slow, and it's normal to feel tired for weeks or months after other symptoms improve. Be patient with yourself and don't rush back to strenuous activities until you're feeling stronger.

How Should You Prepare for Your Doctor Appointment?

Preparing for your doctor appointment can help ensure you get the most accurate diagnosis and appropriate care for your symptoms. Having the right information ready will help your doctor determine if valley fever testing is needed.

Before your appointment, write down your symptoms and when they started. Include details about severity, what makes them better or worse, and any patterns you've noticed. This information helps your doctor understand your condition better.

Gather important information to share with your doctor:

• Recent travel history, especially to southwestern United States
• Outdoor activities or work that might have exposed you to dust
• Current medications and any allergies you have
• Your medical history, including any conditions that affect your immune system
• Family history of valley fever or other fungal infections
• Questions you want to ask about your symptoms or treatment options

Write down questions you want to ask, such as whether you need testing for valley fever, what treatment options are available, and when you should expect to feel better. Don't hesitate to ask about anything that concerns you.

Bring a list of all medications you're taking, including over-the-counter drugs and supplements. If you have any previous chest X-rays or medical records related to your current symptoms, bring those along too.

What's the Key Takeaway About Valley Fever?

Valley fever is a common but manageable lung infection that affects people living in or visiting desert areas of the southwestern United States. While the name might sound alarming, most people who get valley fever recover completely without needing any special treatment.

The most important thing to remember is that valley fever symptoms are very similar to flu or pneumonia, so it's easy to miss the diagnosis. If you develop persistent respiratory symptoms and live in or have traveled to areas where valley fever is common, mention this to your healthcare provider.

Early recognition and appropriate care can prevent complications and help you feel better faster. Most people with valley fever go on to live completely normal, healthy lives. With proper precautions, you can significantly reduce your risk of exposure while still enjoying outdoor activities in beautiful desert environments.

If you're at higher risk for severe valley fever due to your age, health conditions, or ethnicity, work with your healthcare provider to develop a plan for prevention and early treatment if exposure occurs.