What is Valley Fever? Assistance for Elderly in Los Angeles Answers

March 6, 2014
Assistance for Elderly Los Angeles Valley Fever

Assistance for Elderly in Los Angeles Discusses Valley Fever

Do you know what valley fever is? It may sound like a made-up term describing a longing for the great state of California, but it is actually a serious disease that targets people living in the southwestern United States. Little known by most people, the sickness is particularly treacherous for a few different reasons, and assistance for elderly in Los Angeles wants you to make sure you know how to spot its symptoms.

Looks Like the Flu

Many people who contract valley fever (which is carried by a fungus that primarily lives in Arizona, New Mexico, and southern California) simply think they have a case of the flu, because the symptoms are very similar. In fact, in some cases the patient does not develop any external symptoms at all. If left untreated, however, valley fever can lead to pneumonia. This makes it a serious threat for seniors who already suffer from asthma or respiratory illnesses.

Seniors are More Vulnerable

Sadly, the elderly are more vulnerable to the valley fever fungus than younger people. Other factors can increase the danger as well:

  • Newcomers to southern California are more likely to get sick than longtime residents.
  • If nearby construction or storms stir up dust, the fungus more easily makes it into the lungs.

Fortunately, valley fever is not contagious, so it is safe to interact with and care for someone suffering from it.

Eldercare in Los Angeles Provides Advice

While valley fever is a serious threat to seniors, medical experts have one critical piece of advice that will help the elderly avoid complications. If a senior has flu-like symptoms, he should see a doctor for diagnosis instead of assuming that the illness is a minor one. With timely action, a doctor can prescribe an antifungal treatment to end the infection quickly. Eldercare in Los Angeles can help by keeping an eye out for the first signs of sickness in the seniors they care for.

Categorised in: ,

CareNetLa