If you've lived in Arizona for any length of time, you've probably heard of Valley fever. But many of my patients — especially those who moved here later in life — don't realize how common it is, how easily it's missed, or why older adults should take it seriously.
Here's what you need to know.
What is Valley fever?
Valley fever (the medical name is coccidioidomycosis, or "cocci") is an infection caused by a fungus called Coccidioides that lives in the soil of the desert Southwest. When soil is disturbed — by wind, construction, dust storms, gardening, or digging — tiny fungal spores can become airborne. Breathing them in can cause infection in the lungs.
Arizona, and especially the Phoenix and Tucson areas, has some of the highest rates of Valley fever in the country. Sun City and the surrounding West Valley are squarely in the risk zone.
Valley fever is not contagious. You can't catch it from another person or give it to your family.
Symptoms to watch for
Many people who breathe in the spores never get sick at all. When symptoms do appear, they usually start one to three weeks after exposure and can include:
- Fatigue — often significant and long-lasting
- Cough
- Fever
- Shortness of breath or chest pain
- Headache
- Night sweats
- Muscle or joint aches
- A red, bumpy rash, often on the lower legs
Because these symptoms look so much like the flu, bronchitis, or pneumonia, Valley fever is frequently missed. A common story: someone is treated with one or two rounds of antibiotics for "pneumonia" that doesn't get better — because antibiotics don't work against a fungus.
Why older adults need extra attention
Most healthy people recover from Valley fever on their own. But some groups are more likely to have severe or long-lasting illness, including:
- Adults over 60
- People with diabetes
- People with weakened immune systems — for example, from cancer treatment, organ transplant, long-term steroid use, or certain medications for rheumatoid arthritis and other autoimmune conditions
- People with heart or lung disease
In a small number of people, the infection can spread beyond the lungs to the skin, bones, joints, or brain. This is called disseminated disease and requires specialist care.
For older adults, even an uncomplicated case can mean weeks or months of fatigue that affects strength, balance, and independence. That's why recognizing it early matters.
How Valley fever is diagnosed
Valley fever is diagnosed with a blood test that looks for antibodies to the fungus. Sometimes a chest X-ray or CT scan is also needed. If you've had a respiratory illness that's lasting longer than expected, it's reasonable to ask your doctor: "Could this be Valley fever?"
Testing is especially worth considering if:
- Your cough, fatigue, or fever has lasted more than one to two weeks
- You were treated for pneumonia and didn't improve
- You have a new rash on your legs along with respiratory symptoms
- You've recently been around dust, construction, or yard work
Treatment
Many mild cases are monitored without medication, with rest and follow-up blood tests. People with more significant symptoms or higher risk — which includes many older adults and people with diabetes or weakened immunity — may be treated with an antifungal medication, sometimes for several months.
Your doctor will also want to review your other medications, since some antifungals interact with common prescriptions. This is one reason a primary care physician who knows your full medication list is so valuable.
Can you prevent Valley fever?
There's no vaccine for people yet, and you can't avoid Arizona's soil entirely. But you can lower your exposure:
- Stay indoors during dust storms (haboobs) and close windows and doors.
- Wet the soil before digging in the garden or yard.
- Consider a well-fitting N95 mask if you'll be doing dusty work or are near construction.
- Let someone else do heavy yard work if you're at higher risk.
- Use air conditioning with a good filter on windy, dusty days.
Don't forget your pets
Dogs in Arizona can get Valley fever too, often showing coughing, low energy, or limping. If your dog is unwell, mention Valley fever to your veterinarian.
When to see your doctor
Call your doctor if you have a respiratory illness that isn't improving after a week or two, an unexplained rash with fever, or ongoing exhaustion you can't explain. Seek emergency care for severe shortness of breath, chest pain, confusion, or a severe headache with a stiff neck.
Care close to home in Sun City
At Pinnacle Health, Dr. Annie Khurana — a board-certified, fellowship-trained geriatrician — evaluates lingering coughs and fatigue with Arizona-specific conditions like Valley fever in mind. We offer same-day and next-day appointments for sick visits and can coordinate testing and follow-up.
Call (623) 295-2952 to schedule a visit at our office on W. Thunderbird Blvd in Sun City.
This article is for general educational purposes and is not a substitute for individual medical advice. If you have a medical emergency, call 911.