4 Ways to Prevent Coccidioidomycosis

1. Keep Your Immune System Healthy

If you maintain your health, you will be less likely to contract coccidioidomycosis and other diseases. Wash your hands regularly and avoid spending too much time around anyone who has contracted a contagious disease. Get 8 hours of sleep a night, eat a balanced and healthy diet, avoid cigarettes and regularly exercise.

2. Put Down the Shovel

Coccidioidomycosis, which is also known as "valley fever," is prevalent in desert regions. In the United States, cases are often reported in Arizona, New Mexico, Nevada and California. If you are at risk of valley fever or have contracted it before, avoid digging in dry soil, especially during the summer. If your occupation requires you to dig, ask your employer for a mask or have the soil moistened before the first trowel hits.

3. Stay Away From Dust Bunnies

If you can't avoid the dirt outdoors, you can keep it out of your house. Dust your home regularly to remove extraneous particle_temps, and clean your office regularly to reduce dust buildup. During the summer, open your windows only at night to ensure that your home stays cool and dirt free. Carrying around a few masks in case of a dust storm will keep the particle_temps out of your lungs.

4. Time Your Visit to the American Southwest

If you have a compromised immune system or have contracted valley fever before, and you don't live in the aforementioned states, plan your vacation long before your leave. Since the Santa Ana winds carry dry dirt, visit the states in Way 2 during the colder holiday months.