Can it be prevented?

For people living in southwestern parts of the United States, there is no guaranteed way to prevent coccidioidomycosis from occurring, given that C. immitis is found in dirt and soil. However, HIV-positive people with compromised immune systems leaving in these areas should avoid activities involving prolonged exposure to dirt and soil, such as working on excavation sites or lingering in unfiltered areas during a dust storm.

Taking antifungal medications on a regular basis, in order to prevent coccidioidomycosis, may be recommended by your health care provider if you have antibodies to the fungi and your CD4 count is below 250. The recommended drugs in this case are 400 mg of fluconazole or 200 mg of itraconazole once-daily. Preventive treatment may discontinued if your CD4 count remains above 250 for six months or longer.

Coccidioidomycosis is more likely to occur in HIV-positive people with compromised immune systems. Thus, one way to help prevent it from occurring is to keep the immune system healthy, such as by using anti-HIV drugs, reducing stress, eating right, and getting plenty of rest.

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