Valley Fever Epidemic (Paperback)

~ (Author), Sharon Filip (Author)
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Editorial Reviews

Review

"I am overwhelmed and thrilled that someone has FINALLY written a book about Valley Fever...I found the book to be extremely enlightening, easy to read and easy to understand. More importantly, this book has vindicated me and many others afflicted with Coccidioidomycosis...Had this book been available when I was first diagnosed, it would not have taken me over a year, and several doctors, and many tests, to finally find the right doctor." -- Honey De Serre
Editor, The Bugler & The Sentinel
Publications of the Jewish War Veterans (JWV) of the USA

"Thank you for presenting this remarkable compilation of facts and personal stories about Valley Fever. This is a disease that many would just as soon sweep under the rug-you've laid the dust out where all can see!" -- Sandra Larson
Executive Director, Valley Fever Americas Foundation and the Valley Fever Vaccine Project of the Americas: A Rotary District 5240 Project

"The authors have filled a need for a detailed understanding of San Joaquin Valley Fever (Coccidioidomycosis)...This volume is complete, up to date and accurate in describing this illness..." -- Hans Einstein, MD, FACP
World's Foremost Valley Fever Expert and Treatment Pioneer
Bakersfield, California

"This book is a layman's comprehensive review of the nature and treatment of Valley Fever. It provides the reader with an understanding of the endemic regions of the disease, factors which contribute to the incidence of Valley Fever in humans and pets, and symptoms of the respiratory infection...A particularly appealing section of the book is devoted to personal accounts of individuals who survived infection with the Valley Fever pathogen. Many of these stories will be an inspiration to victims of the disease." -- Garry T. Cole, PhD
Professor of Biology
Margaret Batts Tobin Endowed Chair
Department of Biology, University of Texas at San Antonio
World Leading Valley Fever Vaccine Researcher

"This is a valuable, well researched book and I would highly recommend it for patients, their family members, endemic area residents, and tourists." -- Dr. Craig M. Rundbaken, DO, FCCP, FACOI
Pulmonary/Valley Fever Clinic
Sun City West, Arizona

Product Description

Valley Fever Epidemic is the first and only comprehensive, complete, and up-to-date book written for the lay person on the subject of coccidioidomycosis, commonly known as Valley Fever.

It is easy to read and understand and features detailed in-depth information on the disease's symptoms, diagnosis, testing, drugs and treatment, risk factors, and more.The chapter on how Valley Fever affects animals contains stories from pet owners as well. In addition, this book has a medical glossary of over 465 words with definitions that translate all the technical medical jargon into plain English.

Although this book has been written for the lay person, even medical professionals will find it enlightening. It is backed by hundreds of medical journal citations and has been reviewed by several eminent Valley Fever doctors and other professionals.

If you have ever lived in, visited or passed through Arizona, California, Nevada, Texas, New Mexico, Utah, Mexico or other risk areas, the detailed information provided in this book is especially important for you to know. If you are a resident or are considering moving to any of the states where this fungus lives and thrives, it is vital that you learn what to do if you contract Valley Fever. The knowledge you gain from Valley Fever Epidemic may save you or a loved one from unnecessary suffering.

Product Details

• Paperback: 276 pages
• Publisher: Golden Phoenix Books (July 1, 2008)
• Language: English
• ISBN-10: 0979869250
• ISBN-13: 978-0979869259
• Product Dimensions: 9 x 5.9 x 0.7 inches
• Shipping Weight: 11.2 ounces (View shipping rates and policies)
• Average Customer Review: 4.8 out of 5 stars  See all reviews (19 customer reviews)
• Amazon.com Sales Rank: #92,004 in Books (See Bestsellers in Books)

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Customer Reviews

Most Helpful Customer Reviews

5 of 5 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars A MUST READ!!, August 21, 2008

By	N. Nye - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

If you suffer from Valley Fever or, especially, if you are a friend or loved one of a VF victim, you must read Sharon and David Filip's book. VF is a very puzzling illness to the victims, families and even the doctors who treat it. This is the first book of its' kind. It clearly explains how devastating VF can be, how it is an incurable disease, what the symptoms are and how to recognize them, what treatments are available and how to emotionally manage your illness. I have been a Valley Fever sufferer for almost a year and I can tell you firsthand how tough it's been. In the initial stages, I was quite ill, but have settled into a more chronic stage of debilitating fatigue and joint pain. One of the hardest things has been to try to explain to people why I am not better yet. Sharon and David's book lays it all out. I highly recommend it to friends and family who want to understand and be supportive. I am an RN and had considered myself to be pretty savvy about VF. But, after reading this book, I feel incredibly enlightened and empowered to deal with my illness and to be compassionate to my fellow VF sufferers.

4 of 4 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Review of Valley Fever Epidemic, September 9, 2008

By	Rebecca L. Kay "another Valley Fever survivor" (Las Vegas, NV) - See all my reviews (REAL NAME)

This book is the only book on the subject of the horrific disease of Coccidioidomycosis, or "Valley Fever" and it is an extremely well-written book. It presents a wealth of information in an easy to understand language, and it is very comprehensive. The authors provide much detail on the history of the disease, the life-cycle of the coccidioides fungi as researched by medical scientists, the symptoms of the disease, and comparisons to other diseases with similar symptoms. One of the most helpful chapters to me is the one that describes all the different tests - blood and cerebrospinal fluid tests, titers, X-rays and MRIs, biopsies and bronchoscopies and other procedures used for diagnosis and follow-up. Equally helpful are all the real-person life stories of people who have suffered from this disease. Their stories are heart-breaking and inspirational all at the same time. The chapters explaining different drugs and treatments is very informative and helpful. Because this disease is so misunderstood and misdiagnosed, this book will be extremely helpful to patients and their families.

Submitted by Rebecca Kay,
another Valley Fever survivor

3 of 3 people found the following review helpful:

5.0 out of 5 stars Read, Read, Read, and Tell a Friend, October 3, 2008

By	barbara j., RNBC, BS, MA (AZ) - See all my reviews

Highly recommended reading - for those who reside in or visit the Southwest United States, the natural habitat of the cocci organism. This small, easily read book is an excellent resource for understanding the impact of this disease on the infected individual as well as their family and friends as well as the risks for contracting Valley Fever. In addition to self-care, readers will know they can do something in the work of treating infections from this government regulated biological agent.