Risk & Prevention

People at Risk For Aspergillosis

Who Gets Aspergillosis?

Allergic bronchopulmonary aspergillosis (ABPA) can affect people who are otherwise healthy, but it is most common in people with asthma or cystic fibrosis. Invasive aspergillosis generally affects people who have weakened immune systems, such as people who have had a bone marrow transplant or solid organ transplant, people who are taking high doses of corticosteroids, and people who are getting chemotherapy for cancer. Rarely, people with advanced HIV infection can also get invasive aspergillosis.

How Can I Prevent Aspergillosis?

It is difficult to avoid breathing in normal levels of Aspergillus spores. For people with weakened immune systems or severe lung diseases, there are steps that can be taken to help reduce exposure, including:

• Wear an N95 mask when near or in a dusty environment such as construction sites
• Avoid activities that involve close contact to soil or dust, such as yard work or gardening
• Use air quality improvement measures such as HEPA filters
• Take prophylactic antifungal medication if deemed necessary by your healthcare provider
• Clean skin injuries well with soap and water, especially if the injury has been exposed to soil or dust