Valley Fever, what is it and symptoms

Valley fever is nothing but a fungal disease. It is the common name though, the real medical name for it, is – coccidioidomycosis. The places where this disease is common are Nevada, California, Arizona, Mexico etc. Even though this disease is mostly like flu with perhaps minor symptoms of rashes are seen, sometimes it can get serious. Then the symptoms of fever, pneumonia, coughing etc. can be seen.

While many do not get any symptoms at all, and they never get it treated. But for those who are showing the symptoms of valley fever, here is what you should expect.

• Headache
• Chest Pain
• Rashes – This is a common symptom for mild valley fever.
• Flu and dry cough
• Joint and muscle pain

For those who have an unnaturally weak immune are at more risk. This disease can spread into other parts of your body, which includes bones, skins and organs. This way, the disease will show much more symptoms and is also more severe. It can even lead to meningitis, which is a very serious infection in the brain and the spinal cord.

If you have diabetes, or you are pregnant, or you are taking any meds that is making your immune system weak, or your immune is just weak due to perhaps some other condition like AIDS, then you are at most risk when it comes to the infection of valley fever. With a poor immune system, this disease can spread and become very serious.

Once you find the symptoms, you should go to a doctor. He might do some physical tests or perhaps x-ray and have your disease diagnosed and confirmed. If you had travelled to one of those places mentioned above where this fever is common, that might be a reason how you got this disease.
As far as treatment goes, those with mild symptoms and others without any symptoms, get better without any treatment. Perhaps a bit of rest or treatment for your flu might be preferred. If your immune system is weak, then some anti-fungal treatments can be an option.

If the infection has spread to the organs, then sometimes a surgery is required. Suppose the infection has gone to your lungs, then a surgery to have the infected part of your lungs removed might be considered.