Is Valley Fever Contagious ? – Check Here

Most of us are more or less familiar with the term ‘fever’, however, many of us don’t know about the various types of fever. If you are an inhabitant of the southwestern United States or some other parts of the world, then a rare chance is that such symptoms might indicate something else and that’s ‘valley fever’.

Is Valley Fever Contagious ?

Valley Fever Contagious

A worth-considering point regarding valley fever is that it is not contagious that means there is no possibility to catch this fever from other people. The fungus that develops in the ground develops valley fever. The fungus spores spread into the air and people breathe those spores in. Most of the people don’t experience any health problem after affected by Valley Fever Virus, however, whenever the signs and symptoms of this fever start appearing, they usually get eliminated automatically. Medicines are also available to provide a relief. However, in some rare scenarios, the fungus starts spreading to other body parts and that can become more serious and that’s why it’s very important to analyze what is happening. Another worth noting point is that pets can also get affected by valley fever.

Doctors use the medical term ‘coccidioidomycosis’ instead of valley fever. It is also called as desert rheumatism or San Joaquin Valley fever.

The Susceptible Locations

Valley Fever ContagiousThe issue of valley fever flourishes in the dry and desert soil. When the spores of the Valley Fever Virus get contaminated in the wind, it can start blowing them for around hundreds of miles. The Valley Fever Virus exists in the following locations of the U.S.:

  • Southwestern New Mexico
  • Areas throughout El Paso, Texas
  • Arizona
  • Eastern Washington State
  • Central as well as Southern California, specifically the San Joaquin Valley

The susceptible area also spreads into Mexico and South and Central American countries, such as Brazil, Guatemala, Colombia, Honduras, Venezuela, Paraguay, and Argentina.

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Who is more susceptible to Valley Fever?

If you are going towards the affected areas, you would become more susceptible to valley fever. Someone who is aged 60 or more than that is more susceptible to get affected by Valley Fever Virus. The risk of valley fever is also greater in the following cases:

  • Individuals with inferior immune systems
  • Diabetic people
  • Pregnant ladies

African-Americans, Filipinos, Native Americans, Hispanics are susceptible to valley fever because of genetic reasons. Signs and symptoms of valley fever basically start showing up after 2 to 3 weeks the fungus affects the lungs of that person. The sufferer might start experiencing chest pains, fever, cough, night sweats, chills, joint aches, fatigue, a spotty and red rash (generally on the parts of lower legs).

In some of the cases, the issue of valley fever become very serious and the infection spreads various other parts of the patient’s body beyond the lungs.

The probable effects of valley fever are skin sores that can deteriorate, as compared to the rash that has mentioned above. Other effects include meningitis and swollen and painful joint. Meningitis is one type of infection throughout the brain as well as the spinal cord.

The Easiest Treatment of Valley Fever

The term ‘fever’ is one of the most commonly used terms in our regular lives. The inhabitants of the southwestern United States or various other parts of the world are susceptible to another type of fever- ‘valley fever’. After getting attacked by valley fever, the signs and symptoms usually go away automatically. However, medicines are also available to treat its symptoms.

Treatment of Valley FeverThe fungus, responsible for valley fever, can hardly get transmitted into other body parts of a person and it can pose an overall serious problem. Therefore, it’s very important to know about valley fever in detail. Another worth-considering point is that your adorable pets can also get affected by valley fever. But, a sigh of relief is that valley fever is not contagious that means a healthy person can’t get affected by an already affected person. The fungus that develops in the ground is responsible for the issue of valley fever. Doctors use the medical term ‘coccidioidomycosis’ to indicate valley fever, however, it’s also known by other terms.

Who is more susceptible to valley fever?

In case you are going to any of the affected locations (by valley fever), then you might become susceptible to this health problem. A person with the age of 60 or more is more susceptible to valley fever.

The risk of valley fever is more in the following scenarios:

  • Individuals associated with the weaker immune systems
  • Diabetic people
  • Pregnant women

African-Americans, Filipinos, Native Americans, or Hispanics are more susceptible because of their genetic reasons.

Every disease show one or more symptoms and the symptoms of valley fever generally start developing 2 to 3 weeks after the responsible fungus attacks the lungs of a person. The symptoms of valley fever include chest pains, chills, fever, night sweats, cough, fatigue, headaches, joint aches, and a spotty and red rash, generally formed on the lower legs.

Also Read – Is Valley Fever Contagious ? – Check Here

If valley fever signs and symptoms start appearing, then getting recovery from these signs might take several months, however, the recovery time depends upon the overall general health of a person. It’s also dependent on the counts of fungus spores that have affected one’s lungs.

In case the signs don’t go away automatically or if you don’t get treated, then the issue of valley fever might be proceeding towards pneumonia of long-term. It primarily happens in individuals with the weaker immune system. The signs and symptoms in this regard are an unexplained loss in weight, coughing with blood and mucus, chest pains etc.

Treatment of Valley Fever

Valley fever basically has no requirement of medical treatment. The otherwise healthy people should take sufficient bed rest and fluids. However, consultation with a doctor is important because he/she will examine you from time to time about your progress. Nowadays, valley fever natural treatment is also quite popular and you can ask your doctor about this mode of treatment.

In case the symptoms of valley fever start getting worse, your doctor would more probably prescribe a medicine that will attack the illness developed by fungus. Valley fever can also take its most extreme form when people get attacked by meningitis. In this case, medication for the lifetime might become necessary.

Rift Valley Fever Transmit & Symptoms

Rift Valley Fever (in short RVF) is caused by one type of virus that gets transmitted by mosquitoes as well as various blood-feeding flies. Basically, animals (specifically sheet and cattle) are get affected by Rift Valley Fever, however, humans can also become victims of RVF. In human beings, Rift Valley Fever can range from a mild flu-like health issue to acute haemorrhagic fever that might be fatal. Whenever livestock get infected by RVF, it can be a matter of huge economic losses because of the high rate of mortality in young animals and the number of abortions in pregnant animals.

How does Rift Valley Fever Transmit?

Rift Valley FeverIndividuals get infected with the virus of Rift Valley Fever (RVFV) via the contact with body fluids, blood, or body tissues of animals infected with RVFV and specifically the farm animals. Another worth considering the fact is that the direct contact with the affected animals can happen in times of veterinary methods, such as providing assistance to the animal in the birth procedure. Infection can also occur through breathing within droplets that are contaminated with RVFV (also called aerosol transmission). It basically occurs within the setting of the laboratory.

Individuals can hardly be infected with RVF Virus from the bites of mosquitoes, infected by Rift Valley Fever and also from other biting insects, having RVFV on their mouthparts. However, spreading RVF from person to person has not been recorded so far.

Also Read, Is Valley Fever Contagious?

Various species of mosquito can spread Rift Valley Fever and these differ from one region to another. Environment changes, (especially rainfall), are considered among the important risk factor for outbreaks within people and animals both. Rift Valley Fever is basically noticed in times of unusually heavy rainfall as well as in localized flooding. The transmission cycle of Rift Valley Fever Virus is as follows:

The Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) is spread from female mosquitoes to the offspring via the eggs (also known as vertical transmission).

In the eggs of infected mosquitoes, the Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) stays in viable or infectious for several years in times of dry states. Excessive rainfall accelerates this condition and enables more mosquito eggs to get infected. With the enhancement of the mosquito populations, the potential of virus development to the animals as well as human beings also get enhanced.

Rift Valley Fever Virus (RVFV) outbreaks in many people and most specifically livestock that results in enhancement of infected animals that eventually increases the exposure risk of virus for human beings.

Also Read :- What are the Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs?

Rift Valley Fever- Signs and Symptoms

Rift Valley Fever Virus or RVFV hosts an incubation period of the duration of 2-6 days after infection of RVF occurs and it can cause multiple different disease syndromes. It has been observed that individuals, affected by RVF, don’t notice any symptoms or notice a mild illness linked to fever as well as the liver abnormalities. Patients, who experience illness, basically undergo fever, normal weakness, dizziness, and back pain during the starting phase of the illness. Usually, patients start recovery in the duration of days to one week following the beginning of the illness.

It is very important to consult a doctor in case of Rift Valley Fever (RVF).

Top 5 Benefits of Walking 10000 Steps Daily Post Covid

Covid has changed the life of every people in earth. It has ruined the life of many. You must know it well that lakhs of people were affected with this deadly disease. It takes a lot of time to recover from this disease. Even after recovering from it, you may face several health issues. Scientists have also recovered the fact, that it can also affect your mind to a great extent. Keeping this in mind many new concepts have emerged. It is in its experimental stage but some of them are presumed to be helpful in many ways.

Best Way to Deal with Post Covid Situation – Walking 10k Steps Daily

Walking 10000 Steps Daily

In this part, you will learn the benefits or advantages of walking or any other exercise after covid. Initially you may not feel well to walk or carry out any exercises. But this habit will help you in the long run. You can get back to your normal life with these exercises. It is a virus that lowers our immunity level in the body. You may also observe some other physical discomforts after covid. Thus, let us talk about the five benefits of walking post covid.

#1 You may be a marathon walker or runner but covid has affected your mental ability and physical strength. To get it back, you can start walking at least for 10 to 15 minutes within your premises. Slowly you need to increase it from time to time. As days passes you have to increase your speed of walking. If you want you can also start using a treadmill for home use. This will largely help you to get back to your original life.

#2 Once you increase your speed of walking you will witness that the heart rate changes. This is good for your health. It will help to recover easily from this tough situation.

#3 Even if you are at home and watching movies, you must stand and start walking during the intervals. This will help you to stay in motion. It will also allow you to stay active after this illness. If you don’t feel like walking, you can sit and move your toes and legs by performing various exercises. It will also benefit you.

#4 After a month or two you must start brisk walking in any park or open area. This will help you to consume some fresh air. You will feel fresh and active after brisk walking. If you face any pain in your legs, you just need to ignore it and continue walking.

#5 Lastly you must prefer walking during early morning or evening. This is the time when the road remains vacant and very few people walk. You can walk freely and carry out some freehand exercises which are good for your health after covid.

All of us are suffering from a tough phase. We are not confident about the end of this pandemic. However, it is necessary to take some particular steps to stay safe even during this time. Above all staying positive is also vital.

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What Are The Symptoms of Valley Fever?

Valley fever is also known as coccidioidomycosis and it is caused by fungi, named C. posadasii and Coccidioides immitis species. This particular species is in the body of around 50%-75% of healthy people that causes zero to negligible symptoms and some people infected with these fungi never require medical care.

Symptoms of Valley FeverWhen signs and symptoms start getting worse, the affected people can develop lung issues, including the breathing shortness, cough, fever, chest pains, and production of sputum and it can eventually result in acute or progressive lung disorder and it might even result in disseminated lining tissue of the meninges, skeleton, skin along with other body parts. We already know that valley fever can also attack different kinds of animals, including cattle, dogs, monkeys, and otters.

Most of the microbiologists, as well as the physicians of infectious disease, prefer the term ‘coccidioidomycosis’ instead of valley fever, as this term describes it as a particular fungal disease and it can completely replace the term valley fever in the upcoming days. However, valley fever is also known as various names, including San Joaquin Valley fever, acute valley fever, desert fever, and California valley fever. Don’t get confused between valley fever and African or rift valley fever (developed by a virus).

Symptoms of Valley Fever

Symptoms Valley Fever

Around 30%-35% of individuals develop flu-like symptoms, including a cough, fever, chills, and malaise that can get resolved more than two to six weeks without getting treated. Some people might develop additional signs and symptoms, including the breathing shortness, headaches, night sweats, muscle and joint pains, and sputum production. The symptoms of valley fever resemble pneumonia.

Women might develop erythema nodosum (tender, painful, and reddish lumps specifically on the legs) or erythema multiforme (a type of allergic reaction resembles erythema nodosum, developed various body parts, accompanied rash) more than men.

The amalgamation of fever, erythema nodosum, as well as migratory joint pains, is many times termed as “desert rheumatism.” These symptoms generally get resolved in around two to six weeks.

Chronic coccidioidomycosis develops in around 8% of patients and it is also characterized by the aforementioned signs and symptoms, however, developments towards the volume loss of lungs, scarring or fibrosis and inflammation are regarded as acute complications associated with valley fever.

Also Read,  Rift Valley Fever Transmit and Symptoms

Disseminated coccidioidomycosis (around 1% of scenarios) can be termed by the aforementioned signs and symptoms, however, these symptoms might be developed more than weeks to years. The fungi might be discovered in any of the organ systems but they are basically seen in the bones, meninges, and skin. In some people, valley fever becomes fatal. The disseminated disease develops most prominently in immunosuppressed people, pregnant ladies, and males.

Other mammals, such as dogs can also get infected. Around 28% of dogs up to the 2 years of age might get affected by valley fever and around 6% of these dogs show the symptoms like the breathing shortness, cough, alleviated appetite, and listlessness. The issue of valley fever might get progressed and so it’s very important to consult a doctor as soon as possible.

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How Do You Treat Valley Fever?

Most of us are aware of the term ‘fever’ and many of us are familiar with the term ‘flu’ but do you know how many types of fever are there? In the regions of the southwestern United States and some other areas in the world, a rare chance is that such signs indicate a type of fever and it is valley fever.

Treatment Valley fever

If you are not familiar with this term, then you will have some relief that valley fever isn’t contagious in nature. The ground fungus causes this particular health problem. The fungus spores’ transmit through the air and people unknowingly breathe that contaminated air.

Most of the individuals don’t get sick and whenever valley fever starts showing symptoms, these symptoms generally go away automatically otherwise medicines are given to clear these symptoms. However, in rare scenarios, the fungus starts spreading various other parts of the body and that can convert situations more critical and therefore it’s very important to know about this matter before it affects you. Another worth noting point in this regard id your adorable pets can also get affected with valley fever and nowadays natural treatment for valley fever in dogs are also available.

Healthcare providers use the medical term ‘coccidioidomycosis’ for valley fever. This fever is also called ‘desert rheumatism’ or ‘San Joaquin Valley fever’.

Also Read, What Are The Symptoms of Valley Fever?

Diagnosis of Valley Fever

The diagnosis of valley fever is not very easy relying only on its signs as well as symptoms, as its signs are generally vague and might get overlapped with symptoms that develop in other health issues as well. You will be astonished to know that a chest X-ray even fails to distinguish between valley fever and other lung disorders.

A proper diagnosis of valley fever is dependent on the traces of coccidioides organisms in blood, tissue or some other body secretions and that’s why your doctor might recommend you to undergo one or more tests specified below.

  • Sputum smear or culture: The particular test takes the sample of a matter that is released in times of coughing or sputum in the presence of coccidioides organisms.
  • Blood Tests: Your doctor can check your body’s antibodies against the fungus that is responsible for valley fever via a blood test.

Treatment for Valley Fever

Treatment for Valley Fever

  • Rest: It’s true that most of the individuals, suffering from serious valley fever, don’t need any sort of treatment. Even whenever symptoms are acute, the best treatment for transferring into a healthy life is bed rest as well as fluids. However, consultation with a doctor is very important. The valley fever natural treatment is also popular in people.
  • Anti-fungal Medications: If signs and symptoms don’t get better or get worse with the passing time, then an enhanced risk of further complications might develop and in this state, your doctor might prescribe an anti-fungal medication. Such types of medications are also utilized with the acute or disseminated health issue. You can also consult your doctor about valley fever medications.

More acute infection might be treated primarily with an intravenous antifungal medication, including amphotericin B.

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What are the Symptoms of Valley Fever in Dogs?

Most of us keeps dog in our house. Dogs are great pets. They can protect our house from several dangers. Thus, it is our responsibility to take proper care of the dogs from time to time. It is only possible when we conduct regular physical examinations and tests from time to time. This can help then to stay fit. You also need to give the dog proper vaccinations so that he does not get attacked or affected with any disease. Valley fever is one of the common types of fever that is faced by many dogs. There are ample symptoms of this fever.

Valley Fever Symptoms in Dogs

valley fever dogsCauses of valley fever:

You must have proper information about the symptoms of valley fever. This will help in the correct way to deal with the fever. Valley fever symptoms in dogs are common.

  • Frequent coughing is one of the main causes of the fever. You will not that the dog is coughing frequently.
  • Slowly the dog will develop fever. It may rise after a specific period. It is another common symptom of this disease.
  • The dog will soon lose the weight. It will go on decreasing. This is mostly among the dogs that develop fever and it continues for a couple of days.
  • Lack of appetite is another symptom of valley fever. He will not like to have any food. Even if you serve him with his favorite food, he will not love to have it.
  • The dog will slowly lose his energy. He will feel inactive day by day. You will find him lying all the time. The fever makes him feel tired and he will soon become lazy. The fever makes him feel low and he will like to sleep all the day.

Valley fever is dogs are observed on all categories of dogs. There are no such classifications. It is found that frequent coughing can affect the lungs of the dogs. It can make him feel bad day by day. The cough creates a pressure on the lungs. It makes the lymphs swollen near the heart area and makes the dog irritating day by day. It is recommended to take proper advice from the physician when you see that the dog is developing symptoms of valley fever. If proper actions and medications are served the dog will become well soon and he will be back to his normal routine.

If situation becomes worse, the dog will soon develop paralysis. This will make the situation worse. If it is a young dog the disease can cause heart attack among them. It may take away their lives. Dogs are innocent as they do not speak or express their feelings. It is our responsibility to take special care of this animal if they become sick and ill.

Valley feverOur medical system is gradually expanding and improving. New systems and treatments have been introduced that can make the dogs good. It can also keep the dogs healthy and fit so that they can serve their masters in the best possible manner.

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How Heating Pads Help You to Cure Back Pain?

“Back Pain”, the most prevalent word among all age group of people. About 90% of the people suffer from either acute or chronic back pain. Rest, medicines, physiotherapy are the first-line back pain therapy. Besides, the patient will be advised to have heating pads to soothe the pain. Does it provide a constant relief? Yes, of course gradually you can experience it.

Use Heating Pads to Cure Back Pain

Heating PadsThe use of heat therapy was in the ages of Egyptians and Greeks who used the sunlight for healing illnesses. A Heating pad is primarily used for comfort and relaxation and then it is focused on several kinds of body aches. Mostly constant pain associated with cramps, stiffness. As per online studies, Heating pads work as the analgesic.

Heat can be able to penetrate a few centimeters into tissues, cells and speeds up biochemistry when the tissue temperature rises up. This acts as a therapeutic application to the users and they can feel a relaxed relief from the back pain. When the back pain causes after strenuous exercise heating pads help to reduce the soreness.

A Heating pad can provide relief for back pain through various mechanisms:

Heat has the tendency to stimulate the sensory receptors in the skin i.e. when applying heat to the back will reduce the conduction of pain signals to the brain and thus relieves the discomfort optimally.

The blood vessels of the muscles surrounding the back are dilated with the heat therapy. It ultimately increases the oxygen flow and muscle nutrients, thus helps in healing the damaged tissue.

Heat stretches the soft tissues around the spine, including adhesions, connective tissue and muscles. The heat therapy decreases stiffness with an increased flexibility. Flexibility is quite important for a healthy back.

Many people have been benefited by heating pad heat therapy along with other modules of treatment such as mild exercises and proper physical therapy. Heat therapy is highly beneficial because it is a non-invasive & non-pharmaceutical form for back pain relief.

Types of heat therapy

Heat Therapy Types

Dry heat and moist heat

Dry heat: Saunas, Electric heating pads suck moisture from the body and they may leave the skin dehydrated. Some people feel the dry heat is being the best for their back pain.

Moist heat: Steamed towels, hot baths and moist heating packs help in the heat penetration into the muscles and some people feel the moist heat brings up better pain relief.

Local, regional and full body heat therapies are classifieds. When you suffer from pain in small areas like muscle stiffness, then fomentation bag can be used to treat the pain. For a widespread pain or stiffness, i.e. for regional treatment, a large heating pad will be much helpful. Saunas and a hot bath would help in full body treatment.

A case study report informs that a heating pad and heat wrap therapy relieved pain, muscle stiffness and soreness & improved flexibility better than the painkillers. The subjects were 371 people. The functional brain-imaging research showed that when the heat was applied some parts of the brain were activated that caused to mitigate the pain sensation.

Beware of:

Commonly all heat treatments cause tissue damage when the heat is excessively applied. A superficial heat therapy can cause burns, blisters, and redness or sometimes causes reduced blood circulation. So, better monitor with a right degree of temperature to avoid such issues.

Conclusion:

Heat pads provide inexpensive therapy to relieve you from all kinds of back pain. Either it may be used alone or associated with other therapies. Since it is a simple method, most of us forget it and go for costlier treatments. In many back pain programs, heat pad therapy is taking the main part. Electronic rechargeable heating pads and fomentation bags are available in the pharmacies. So, if you are a back pain sufferer, then choose any of them, use carefully and get relieved from the back pain instantly.

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The Easiest Treatment of Valley Fever

Top 5 Benefits of Walking 10000 Steps