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August is Valley Fever Awareness Month, and Inspire Health has expanded its Valley Fever clinic hours in Fresno. <\/p>\n
August is Valley Fever Awareness Month, an opportunity to raise awareness about an illness that continues to impact communities throughout the Central Valley. Because Valley Fever symptoms can often resemble other respiratory conditions, early recognition, appropriate testing, and ongoing follow-up care are critical to helping patients achieve better outcomes.<\/p>\n
\nTo help meet the growing need for specialized care, Inspire Health Medical Group, in partnership with UCSF Fresno, is expanding access through dedicated Valley Fever Clinic hours beginning August 1. Led by Inspire Health infectious disease physician and Chief of Infectious Disease at UCSF Fresno, Geetha Sivasubramanian, MD, the Valley Fever Care Program provides coordinated evaluation, treatment recommendations, and long-term monitoring for patients with suspected or confirmed Valley Fever.<\/p>\n
\n\u201cHonestly, everybody who lives in the Central California area is at risk for Valley Fever because it\u2019s everywhere in the soil here, and you can be exposed,\u201d said Dr. Sivasubramanian. \u201cThat\u2019s why awareness, early diagnosis, and appropriate follow-up care are so important for our community.\u201d<\/p>\n
\nAlso known as coccidioidomycosis, or \u201ccocci,\u201d Valley Fever is caused by a fungus found naturally in the soil of dry regions throughout the Southwestern United States, including California\u2019s southern San Joaquin Valley and Arizona. Infection occurs when microscopic fungal spores become airborne after soil is disturbed and are inhaled. Unlike many respiratory illnesses, Valley Fever is not contagious and cannot spread from person to person.<\/p>\n
\nExposure is especially common during dry, windy conditions following rainfall, dust storms, earthquakes, construction activity, or agricultural work. People who work outdoors\u2014including construction workers, farm workers, landscapers, firefighters, and utility crews\u2014may face increased risk due to frequent dust exposure. Outdoor activities such as gardening, hiking, mountain biking, or attending events in dusty areas can also increase exposure.<\/p>\n
\nOne of the biggest challenges with Valley Fever is that symptoms often resemble the flu or pneumonia. Common symptoms include persistent cough, fever, fatigue, chest pain, muscle aches, night sweats, headaches, and shortness of breath. Many patients experience symptoms that last longer than expected and may be treated for other respiratory infections before Valley Fever is considered.<\/p>\n
\nIf symptoms continue for more than two weeks, especially after exposure to dusty environments or a recent diagnosis of pneumonia, patients should speak with their healthcare provider about Valley Fever testing. Early diagnosis can help ensure appropriate treatment and follow-up care.<\/p>\n
\nWhile many people recover with minimal treatment, Valley Fever can become more serious without proper monitoring. In some cases, the infection can lead to chronic lung disease or spread beyond the lungs to the skin, bones, joints, or brain. Certain individuals\u2014including pregnant women, people with uncontrolled diabetes, those with weakened immune systems, organ transplant recipients, and individuals undergoing cancer treatment\u2014face a higher risk for complications.<\/p>\n
\nPrevention starts with reducing exposure to airborne dust whenever possible. Wetting soil before digging, wearing a properly fitted N95 respirator during dusty work, staying indoors during dust storms, and keeping windows closed during high winds can all help reduce exposure risk.<\/p>\n
\nBecause Valley Fever can require months or even years of monitoring in more complex cases, having access to specialty care close to home is important. Dr. Sivasubramanian notes that some patients require careful follow-up to monitor symptoms, adjust treatment when needed, and identify complications early.<\/p>\n
\nThe Inspire Health Valley Fever Care Program brings together infectious disease specialists, pulmonologists, and internal medicine physicians at the Inspire Health Specialty Kashian location in downtown Fresno. The program supports coordinated care with primary care providers, expanded diagnostic capabilities, and connection to emerging research and clinical studies through UCSF Fresno.<\/p>\n
\nDuring Valley Fever Awareness Month, residents are encouraged to learn the signs, discuss testing with their healthcare provider when appropriate, and seek specialized care when needed.<\/p>\n