Treatment and Outcomes for Coccidioidomycosis (Valley Fever)

How is coccidioidomycosis treated?

Lung tissue with coccidioidomycosis.

In many cases, treatment for coccidioidomycosis is not necessary, as symptoms can resolve on their own. Many healthcare providers still prefer to prescribe antifungal medications, such as fluconazole, to prevent a more severe infection from developing.
It is especially important for people at risk for severe disease, such as people infected with HIV or those with weakened immune systems, to receive treatment as quickly as possible. It is extremely important for people with severe infections to be treated with antifungal medications because advanced coccidioidomycosis can be fatal if not treated.

There are no over the counter medications to treat coccidioidomycosis. However, treatment is not always necessary. If you think you have coccidioidomycosis you should always ask your healthcare provider if you need treatment.

Sometimes in very severe cases of coccidioidomycosis people will need respiratory supportive therapies or hospitalization. If you are a health professional, click here for more information.

What happens if I have coccidioidomycosis and do not seek treatment?

If you have coccidioidomycosis and do not seek treatment, your body may be able to fight off the infection on its own. However, there is a risk that you may develop more severe symptoms. If you think you have coccidioidomycosis, it is always important for you to talk to your healthcare provider about treatment.

If I have coccidioidomycosis, should I stay at home?

If you have coccidioidomycosis, you are not contagious, and therefore you do not need to stay home. However, your healthcare provider may recommend that you rest at home to help your body fight off the infection.

Does coccidioidomycosis have any long-term effects?

In very severe cases of coccidioidomycosis, the nervous system can be affected and there may be long-term damage. Sometimes people with weakened immune systems or other risk factors may develop chronic pneumonia or other severe symptoms. These long-term complications are rare.