Can valley fever affect the brain?
When valley fever spreads in the body, about one out of four people get meningitis. This is a disease where the outer layer of the brain and the spinal cord swell. It can often lead to brain damage or death.
What happens if you don’t treat valley fever?
Valley fever that develops into meningitis is fatal if it’s not treated, so lifelong antifungal treatment is necessary for those cases.
How can you protect yourself from valley fever?
How can I prevent Valley fever?
- Try to avoid areas with a lot of dust like construction or excavation sites.
- Stay inside during dust storms and close your windows.
- Avoid activities that involve close contact to dirt or dust, including yard work, gardening, and digging.
- Use air filtration measures indoors.
Does valley fever go away on its own?
Some people will need antifungal treatment. In some people who get valley fever, the infection will go away on its own in a few weeks. However, antifungal treatment is recommended for certain patient groups, such as those at high risk for developing the severe forms of the disease.
What time of year is Valley Fever most common?
Late summer and fall are the most common months for reports of Valley Fever cases. The California Department of Public Health (CDPH) says there has been a steady increase in Valley Fever over the last few years.
What part of the body does Valley Fever affect?
It happens when the infection spreads from the lungs to other parts of the body through the bloodstream. It can affect many organs, and particularly the skin, liver, brain, bones, meninges, and heart. Signs and symptoms vary depending on which parts of the body are affected.
What does Valley Fever do to your lungs?
Most people struck with Valley Fever recover on their own. Some patients, like Pierce, develop lung nodules, which are small patches of infection in the lungs that can be mistaken for lung cancer. For Pierce, antifungal medications taken for a year helped him recover from the infection.
Can you donate blood if you have Valley Fever?
No. The tissue phase of the fungus coccidioides spp. is a spherule. The infectious phase is when the “spores” are inhaled from the air. Is it safe for Valley Fever patients to donate their blood or organs?
Is there a season for Valley Fever?
Is Valley fever a lung disease?
Valley fever is a fungal lung infection that can be devastating. Learning about Valley fever can help you and your doctor recognize the symptoms early. Valley fever is an infection caused by a fungus that lives in the soil.
