I just got a positive diagnosis for valley fever... what does this mean?

Question

I had some blood work done because I have multiple swollen lymph nodes, I was tired, and I had sore muscles.
The blood work came back positive for something called "valley fever."
aside from a little tired, occasional headaches, sore muscles and swollen lymph nodes... I feel fine.
So I was a little freaked out when I read on the internet that you could die from this, and that there's a "Valley Fever Survivors" web page.
Am I going to be really sick and possibly die? I'm only 17 and I feel pretty healthy...

my doctor perscribed some a "medical regimine" which I have to undergo for the next 6 months, I just wish I knew what was in store.

Answer 1

Valley Fever is a name for coccidioidomycosis. Some people call it "cocci" (pronounced "COX-ee") for short. It is a lung infection cause by a fungus called Coccidioides immitis. People contract Valley Fever by inhaling the microscopic spores of this fungus. These spores naturally occur in the soil, and strong wind storms can kick them up into our breathing spaces. Valley Fever is dangerous because it can turn into pneumonia if you are moderately to severely ill. In rare cases, it can cause a type of meningitis.

But most people who test positive for Valley Fever are either asymptomatic (no symptoms), or they came in contact with the fungus and cleared it right away with no problems. Such is often the case if you are young and healthy.

Of course, you did say you were fatigued and feeling kinda yucky. Fatigue is a common sign of Valley Fever. When I was a kid, if I took too many naps, my mom would suspect Valley Fever.

Not all people who have symptoms get severe symptoms. Many of my friends who had Valley Fever were sluggish, needed some bed rest and were excused from gym class for the term. It is like having mononucleosis.

Then again, people have died of Valley Fever and they have gotten VERY sick from it. My father was very ill with it for 4 months. He couldn't work and he was on an IV for some of that time. Not good when you are the town doctor! Still, the people who are most susceptible to complications are the ones with underlying lung problems (like smoking-related illnesses), people with crappy immune systems, and the generally-susceptible, like the elderly.

If your doctor is medicating you for Valley Fever, then I'd say you probably have it. But if you are as okay as you say you are, then you're probably just a mild case. Get plenty of rest and try to stay healthy.

Answer 2

You have antibodies to 'valley fever' fungus. Could be a coincidence. You could have mono also or the flu. Once exposed to Coccidioidomycosis, Valley fever fungus, you will test positive the rest of your life. Stay off sugars, do NOT take cortisone, It has a predilection to go into the brain area. Spinal tap tests can diagnose if it is going into meningitis. There are meds for it. Get plenty of rest. Do not overexert or break a sweat with exercise. Lay low until symptoms go away. Southern central California valley is endemic for it. Old chicken farms are big source of the fungus. The dust from it. You can be more susceptible to it if you are pregnant.

Answer 3

Im sorry, I have never heard of it before. Now days they have websites and survivors pages for everything. I wouldnt get too worried until your Dr. says different. Everyone writes a different story.

Answer 4

http://search.yahoo.com/search?p=valley+fever&fr=ush-ans