By Dr. Katherine Schlaerth, M.D.
Who should be tested for Valley Fever in areas like ours?
The Valley Fever Institute recommends testing for patients who present with an influenza-like illness, community acquired pneumonia, or chest X ray findings such as pleural effusion or cavitary lung disease. It should also be considered in patients who may have symptoms of infection spreading beyond the lungs when another cause is not clear.
Now consider a common scenario.
A 17-year-old patient presents with fever, sweats, rash, headache, joint pain, chills, and fatigue. Testing confirms Valley Fever. Several weeks later, many of the symptoms have improved, but fatigue remains. The patient is otherwise healthy.
Do you treat? The answer is not always straightforward.
Higher titers or more severe symptoms may lead clinicians to recommend treatment and closer monitoring.
It is also important to remember that early testing may be negative. If there is strong suspicion, repeat testing is often necessary.
For more severe infections, especially those requiring hospitalization or involving spread beyond the lungs, intravenous medications such as liposomal amphotericin B may be used. This type of treatment requires close monitoring with regular blood work.
For mild to moderate Valley Fever, the most commonly used medication is fluconazole. While effective, it can cause side effects such as dry skin, cracked lips, hair loss, headaches, joint pain, and in some cases, liver issues. Monitoring during treatment is important.
If fluconazole cannot be tolerated, itraconazole may be used, though it is not recommended for patients at risk of heart failure and requires careful monitoring.
Voriconazole is generally avoided due to significant side effects, including severe sensitivity to sunlight and increased risk of skin complications.
For patients with Valley Fever meningitis, antifungal treatment is required long term and often lifelong to control the infection.
Even after diagnosis, ongoing monitoring is important. Blood tests, imaging, and symptoms all help guide treatment decisions.
New or worsening symptoms, especially severe headaches or localized bone pain, should always be evaluated.
Although Valley Fever usually begins in the lungs, it can spread to other parts of the body, including bone, skin, and the lining around the brain. In some cases, it may appear in unexpected places, which is why continued vigilance is important.
Understanding treatment options is important, but so is community awareness. Knowing when symptoms may be more than a common illness and seeking care early can make a meaningful difference. In regions like ours, Valley Fever is part of the environment, and staying informed helps individuals and families better protect their health.
Dr. Katherine Schlaerth is a physician and educator with board certifications in family medicine, pediatrics, geriatric medicine, and pediatric infectious diseases. She combines her clinical work with a strong commitment to medical education and mentorship. At Clinica Sierra Vista, she is especially passionate about teaching and guiding residents as they develop the skills needed to serve their communities. Dr. Schlaerth also completed a fellowship in Guatemala, bringing a global perspective to her work in patient care and training the next generation of physicians.
An accomplished author, her latest book, The Ways Our Bodies Age, delves into the science of aging. To learn more about her journey and her new book, read her full bio at the link below.
WIC is a program that helps families with food and nutrition. Call us at (661) 862-5422 or send a message, and we’ll help you see if you qualify.
Here are some ways you might qualify:
You also need to think about your family’s income. Here are the monthly income limits for family sizes:
This income limit is based on 185% of the Federal Poverty Level, and these amounts will be effective from April 1, 2025, to June 30, 2026.
Also, if you’re pregnant, the baby counts as part of your family size when figuring out if you qualify.
Need care right away? Our health centers offer same-day appointments, and our walk-in clinics also offer extended hours. Whether you schedule ahead or stop by, we’re here to deliver fast, high-quality care when and where you need it.
We make it easy to choose the clinic that works best for you. Keep in mind that your preferred location may mean seeing a different provider. Either way, you’ll receive compassionate, expert care from our trusted team, no matter which clinic you visit.
Our providers work across multiple clinics to make care accessible, so their location may vary based on availability. No matter where you’re seen, you can trust our dedicated team to deliver the high-quality care you deserve.
