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. This book also includes maps and statistics, frequently asked questions, what you need to know before you see a doctor, how to help boost your immune system, and stories that people with Valley Fever sent to the authors at www.valleyfeversurvivor.com. 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.
David Filip
David Filip’s in-depth knowledge comes from nearly two decades of researching medical information and assisting thousands of people with Valley Fever (coccidioidomycosis). His most popular book “Valley Fever Epidemic” is a milestone in the field, cutting through misconceptions and providing actionable information for patients and doctors alike. As the leading Valley Fever author, scholar, information specialist, and consultant, he is sought after by media and authorities for his expertise. His contacts with mycologists, physicians, federal and local health officials, and vaccine scientists is matched and tempered by his experience connecting with thousands of victims of Valley Fever from around the world. This brings a human perspective to his research and a focus on the urgency of a problem many politicians would just as soon sweep under the rug. Filip is also a nutritional pioneer as the first and only person to research the pharmacology of foods that can help or hurt the body’s reaction to this disease. Those who adjusted their diets accordingly have experienced tremendous improvements.
He has been interviewed on television and radio broadcasts for his research and technical expertise. Producers and reporters from Voice of America, BBC, the New York Times, PBS, and other media outlets across the country rely on his knowledge and connections for their articles and programs on Valley Fever.
Filip is the communication director and co-founder of Valley Fever Survivor, the premier coccidioidomycosis advocacy, education, and support organization. He is also a member of UC Merced’s Valley Fever Network Faculty and has a BA in Communications from the University of Washington. By bringing the medical, military, historical, and personal facets of Valley Fever together his knowledge and expertise “connects the dots” in ways that bring the complete scope of the Valley Fever epidemic to light.
Sharon Filip
Sharon Filip is a global ambassador and expert on Valley Fever representing tens of thousands of people around the world with this disease. In 2001 Sharon Filip had a near-death experience during her severe case of Valley Fever. She co-founded Valley Fever Survivor in 2002 and began her interaction with the media from the USA and around the world.
She became a voice for action for all those who have passed on, those who could not speak for themselves, as well as family members who have lost loved ones from Valley Fever.
Sharon co-authored “Valley Fever Epidemic” with her son David Filip. It was the first and still remains the only book of its kind available. Its usefulness and clarity endures as a modern classic and a critical tool for educating patients, doctors, and the general public. Sharon was able to thrive following David’s pioneering research into nutrition that specifically works for a person with Valley Fever. Working together, they took that knowledge forward to help others with this disease. To date, no one else had studied the scientific research to show how nutrition and supplements could make a difference with Valley Fever symptoms.
Sharon Filip is a trained and registered hypnotherapist with nearly 30 years of experience. She helps clients release blockages that have held them back from achieving their goals as well as improving their mental state and well being. In her decades of work in alternative medicine, she is known for her motivational speaking, personal hypnotherapy, teaching self-hypnosis classes and her ability to relate to clients on every level. Her life’s work of helping and educating people is now combined with her knowledge of the Valley Fever research and her personal encounter with this disease. This makes Sharon uniquely qualified to put a spotlight on Valley Fever by sharing information that shatters the misconceptions with clarity and authority.
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Title: Valley Fever Epidemic
Author(s): David Filip & Sharon Filip
Paperback ISBN: 9780979869259
e-Book ISBN: 9780979869204
“Valley Fever Epidemic” is also available in paperback on Amazon.com
“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…”

“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.”

“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.”

“This is a disease that many would just as soon sweep under the rug-you’ve laid the dust out where all can see!”

“Immaculately researched and presented in language accessible to the lay reader with a dedicated glossary to facilitate understanding of medical literature.”

“This is a valuable, well researched book and I would highly recommend it for patients, their family members, endemic area residents, and tourists.”

“Thank you for the opportunity to read and review your book titled ‘Valley Fever Epidemic’. My thoughts: Fills a need, Well written.”

“The section ‘Helpful Hints for Your Doctor Visits’ would be good reading for any patient, no matter what their problems.”

It is only when I had your book in hand that I finally felt strong enough to fight this nightmare. Thank you both.
Marie Westrope
More Informative Than Any Doctor Ever Was – Helped Me Live MY Life Again
It just happens that my mom came across this book as a regular Amazon customer as I was struggling to recover from the worst surgery I have ever had. I had experience with quite a few orthopedic surgeries, and they were painful, but nothing close to what VF did to my lungs (cavity, hemoptysis “blood cough”, fungal and bacterial pneumonia!)… So part of my lung was removed and I didn’t know a thing about fungal pneumonia or VF until the lab results came back on my actual piece of lung that was removed. I hadn’t been to Arizona since 2013, and when I even lived there in 2007 – I had not heard much about “Valley Fever”… turns out, not many of my doctors in Illinois were too familiar either. Even my infectious disease department at NORTHWESTERN Medicine had to get up to date with the facts.
That being said, my surgeon, ID doc, and nurses at the hospital saved my life. They got rid of the problem. But the people who are RESPONSIBLE for INFORMING me about the battle I was about to have for the next year (surgery was 12/28/15) were David and Sharon Filip. Coincidentally, a mother and son, who put their research out there for people like me who needed more than an anti-fungal prescription and a partial lung resection to live their normal life!
I did some great things physically I would have never imagined, and I also was prepared for the highs and the lows – because of this book. Because of this writing, I was prepared with not only a diet but effective research on how to boost the immune system better to fight off fungal diseases! And why these diseases are misdiagnosed and have no cure. It’s all here.
Most importantly, I still live by this book’s guidelines today, a year and two days out of surgery. It’s been such a rough road, but without the book and Facebook group created by these two fine people, I would not have had any of the aforementioned “highs” and I would still be clueless about the long term solution.
If you live by this book and are your own advocate with your doctors, you will not suffer nearly as much from this incurable disease. You may even find some peace and strength in the meantime, much like I did – because of THIS BOOK.

Sharon and her son Dave are an amazing source of information that you can rely on. I love this book [Valley Fever Epidemic] and re-read it quite often. Thank you so much for writing it. It continually amazes me how much more I know than a lot of the doctors because of it. I was with my husband recently at his ID [infectious disease doctor] appointment and was speaking with one of the nurses about VF. My husband’s appointment was not about VF, but a different issue. This particular male nurse was blown away by the information I was sharing with him and told me that I probably knew more than most of the doctors he works with. He was very interested and I gave him your contact info so he could purchase a copy for himself.
I am beyond grateful for you Sharon and Dave for all the hard work you do for all of us, and so happy to share information you have given us. You two have helped me so much with your wealth of information, and our family here [at the VFSSG] is amazing. This is a wonderful place with awesome information. You two are such a blessing for all of us.

I just received my copy of Valley Fever Epidemic and I can’t put it down. I would strongly suggest anyone who is suffering from or have family members or loved ones suffering from VF to get a copy and educate themselves. Thank you David Filip, Sharon Filip for taking the time to create such an amazing book with so much knowledge. If every doctor would take the time and read this, misdiagnosis of this disease would drastically change. Catching this disease has changed me as a human being. I used to be a warrior, a professional fighter for 13 years. Now the sight of dust gives me a panic attack. I fear for my kids, my 90 year old father and everyone I care about. It’s not something you can avoid, VF picks you.

If you have fallen victim to this deadly disease PLEASE…you must own this book. Since VF isn’t acknowledged by the medical community & friends & family find many ways to “downplay” this disease…this book can be a life saver. Having had VF for 13 yrs…4 reactivations & other health issues coming out I have seen MANY MANY Drs who blew me off & actually laughed at me…one telling me to seek therapy. My PCP Dr. Told me he would totally take my case over. He admitted he knew something of VF however…well I gave him this book. He’s read it…then researched what he has read. Between both of us working on this together going the same direction I have a major medical support system. I count myself blessed this book is out there & that I have a Dr. Who cared enough to educate himself on this disease. As of now we know there is no cure…however thru his care & diligence from what he has read he’s made me comfortable & made me realize I am not losing my mind!!! He has even started educating his staff. Anyone with VF…be your own advocate…and if you aren’t comfortable with any Dr. Move on. Find if you can a Dr willing to learn & be humble enough to say I don’t know. Its a lifetime journey…educate yourself & if at all possible hopefully find a Dr that is willing to learn & not push you aside…

Valley Fever Bible for life
I’m a recent Valley Fever patient and I ordered this book to give me an inside look of what to expect.
This is the BEST book ever!
I highly recommend this to physicians, patients, friends, family

5.0 out of 5 stars UNDERSTANDING COCCIDIODOMYCOSIS -YOUR ONE-STOP GUIDE TO LEARNING ABOUT VALLEY FEVER
July 15, 2018
Format: Paperback Verified Purchase
It was such a scary moment to hear the results of a simple blood test to be told you are POSITIVE for VALLEY FEVER! That was where I was at in 2011 when I learned that my “flu-like symptoms” was actually a fungus that had entered my lung while just breathing. For me, I was in Albuquerque, New Mexico when I was overcome with this potentially fatal disease. As an RV traveler I first sought medical assistance in Surprise, Arizona and later learned that I was misdiagnosed with “bronchitis” and was given Prednisone which actually made my condition worse. Three weeks later I saw my California personal care physician who immediately recognized my symptoms and ordered a chest x-ray, MRI, and put together a knowledgeable team to care for my active case of COCCIDIODOMYCOSIS (aka Valley Fever)!!!
It only took minutes to start my personal research on this horrible disease and I was scared to death. Trying to read all the medical research was overwhelming until I discovered the VALLEY FEVER SURVIVOR website and, ultimately, the associated Facebook group.
THE UNANIMOUS RECOMMENDATION WAS TO GET THIS BOOK: “VALLEY FEVER EPIDEMIC”! Written by Sharon Filip and her son David Filip it is everything I needed to know to become my own health advocate while understanding what was ahead for me. The content is written to be understood by laymen while it is organized in such a wonderful format that patients, family members and even health providers can learn all about the history and jargon associated with this disease, testing and diagnosis, and drug and treatment options. It is so comprehensive I even loaned my copy to my Infectious Disease doctor who commented positively about the entire book.
I constantly recommend VALLEY FEVER EPIDEMIC when I make presentations about Valley Fever to my friends and RVers who travel through the endemic areas of the Southwest. It only takes breathing in one fungal spore that can change your life. This book can be your guide on what to expect and what to know as a victim.

I bought and just received and read VALLEY FEVER EPIDEMIC. Very enlightening! Tells it like it is! Very helpful! Very comprehensive. I see it as a “must have-must read” for those who have VF and also for their friends and family. I also bought a copy for my Stanford ID Doctor. Thanks.
[VFE is] ABSOLUTELY the best written authority on VF. Everybody who wants to know about VF, should buy or read this book.
David Silverman
“I am very impressed by the quality of material you have been able to gather and put into this book. I believe this information will be used for decades to come. This book needs to be included on the Welcome to Arizona website, so everyone thinking about coming to Arizona and surrounding areas knows what they are coming in to.”

“Inmates and staff at Pleasant Valley State Prison need this book. I am a former prison chaplain who worked at Pleasant Valley State Prison (PVSP) outside of Coalinga, California (which is about 60 miles SE of Fresno) in the heart of the San Joaquin Valley. I worked at PVSP from 2002-2005, and got out just before an epidemic of VF cases hit the prison. The epidemic has been attributed to the construction of Coalinga State Hospital, which was built nearby. I recently sent a copy of THE VALLEY FEVER EPIDEMIC to an inmate with whom I have been corresponding. He has a very serious case of VF and many other inmates do too. They are finding the book to be extremely helpful, because prison doctors are telling inmates with VF that the symptoms they are complaining about, such as rashes, are due to an allergic reaction to peanut butter, milk, or to a certain type of soap. Or they are being told they have the flu. Due to medical staff ignorance or incompetency (some would suggest corruption in an attempt to delay the expense of VF medication for as long as possible), it is not uncommon for inmates to suffer for more than a year before an accurate diagnosis is made. Both staff and inmates are coming down with this dreaded disease, and some are dying. All are in need of accurate information, which this book provides. It is my hope that more friends and family members of inmates, as well as correctional staff, in endemic regions of Southwestern states will discover this book and purchase it for their loved ones. The inmate I sent a copy to has other inmates and even correctional staff asking him about the book. In fact, he now seems to know more about VF than many of the medical staff.”

“LONG OVERDUE AND NEEDED BOOK Valley Fever Epidemic is very informative about this disease. Most doctors do not know what Valley Fever is or how to treat it and the lingering after affects it produces for your WHOLE LIFETIME. By being informed with the research in this book you can manage your condition and realize symptoms you have are definitely related to contracting Valley Fever. Knowledge is power– and this book gives you the knowledge about a disease that is swept under the table by the states where it is prevalent. A MUST READ FOR ANYONE WHO HAS LINGERING SYMPTOMS THAT CAN’T BE DIAGNOSED OR CURED — AS YOU MAY HAVE VALLEY FEVER AND NOT KNOW IT!!!! (Especially read before you travel out West).”

“Remarkable Book. I work for a Pulmonologist who specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of Valley Fever. We see first hand how this disease effects patients and their families. I have read Valley Fever Epidemic and would recommend it to anyone with Valley Fever or knows someone with this debilitating disease. It is an excellent source of information and helps with understanding this “coccidioidomycosis” fungus that can create such havoc on a persons health. Sharon and David Filip have done a remarkable job writing this book.”

“A MUST READ BOOK! 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.”

“My people are destroyed for lack of knowledge….” ~ Hos. 4:6 NKJV
“I am the wife of a VF survivor. My husband was diagnosed with cocci-meningitis in 2004. We almost lost him —
I thank God for Sharon and David Filip. This dynamic duo live a purposeful life; they are a living testimony of what “voice for action” really means. Words have power; knowledge is power. I have yet to find another complete and well researched book as Valley Fever Epidemic. God bless your labor of love. This book must be read by all, shared with all. If you have access to the masses, use your voice for action. I have personally given a copy to our local newspaper reporter. What can you do to save a life? Equip your fellow neighbor with knowledge, lest he perish for the lack thereof. It’s time to take action!”

“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. Thank you for doing such a fantastic job on this book, and I know it will be extremely helpful to many (unfortunate) folks who come down with the disease. I would like to make sure that my doctors get a copy — family md, pulmonologist, and infectious diseases md.”

“Thank you for writing this book. You’ve done a great thing for mankind. I recently read Valley Fever Epidemic by David and Sharon Filip. What a wonderful book and so long overdue. Valley Fever Epidemic is written so that everyone can understand it, and it includes an in-depth glossary of medical terms for your convenience. This book is the most complete, comprehensive and up-to-date book written on Valley Fever. Valley Fever Epidemic is a must read for anyone who lives in the Southwest or is planning to move or visit the Southwest. I even purchased a book for my internist, so that he is better informed about this incurable illness. If you only buy one book this year, make sure you buy Valley Fever Epidemic.”

“Valley Fever Epidemic is ‘just what the doctor ordered’ and most doctors could learn something from reading it. It answers so many questions regarding the multitude of symptoms that VF victims can suffer from. The drugs and treatment section can be very helpful for finding prescription assistance for those who can’t afford their medication. The personal stories will help others realize the devastating impact that VF can have on victims and their families. My brother lost his life to this disease. He did not fall into any of the high risk groups. It CAN happen to anyone! To be informed about Valley Fever, this book is a must read.”

“A Fantastic Book Everyone Should Read!! Valley Fever….do you have valley fever? Do you know what valley fever is? Did you know a tiny cocci spore could travel 500 miles and that there are 15 trillion cocci spores in one cubic inch? Did you know that you contract this disease just by breathing in Arizona, California, Texas, Nevada and other desert regions of the USA? Valley fever usually starts in your lungs and can attack you further by disseminating throughout other parts of your body and can become fatal. I am a valley fever survivor. Not everyone can say that who gets valley fever. Did you know that valley fever could change your life forever from one tiny spore? It did mine. I contracted valley fever in 2003 and have not felt the same since. The above information is only a microscopic piece of knowledge this book contains. David and Sharon Filip have done an outstanding job in providing such incredible amounts of information through their hard, persistent, and ongoing research on this deadly disease called valley fever. This book not only shows such an abundance of information but also is written in layman’s terms. It’s a book that contains answers to most questions you can think of and more. It has a glossary that can help you understand what your medical reports are saying. There is no other book of this kind written. I highly recommend this book to anyone who lives in the southwest, has visited the southwest, plan to visit the southwest, drive through or change planes in the southwest or just breathes.”

“This is an incredible work! I have just started thumbing through it and realized it must be shared. I want to get a copy of this to my dog agility trainer. I think every dog club that does any traveling should have a copy of this book in their libraries.”

“ALL Pregnant Women Should Read This INCREDIBLE Book! I was in my 3rd trimester of pregnancy when I moved from Massachusetts to Arizona in October 1999. Little did I know that I was at risk for contracting Valley Fever. After living in Arizona for only 1 month, I was faced with the horrible symptoms described so clearly in this incredible book. My new Ob/Gyn in Arizona was aware of Valley Fever and immediately had me tested and treated. Thankfully, my baby was born healthy! Unfortunately, I have been suffering with Valley Fever ever since. I WISH THIS BOOK WAS AVAILABLE 9 YEARS AGO AND MY DOCTOR IN MASSACHUSETTS WAS KNOWLEDGEABLE ABOUT VALLEY FEVER…..I NEVER WOULD HAVE MOVED TO ARIZONA!!!! This book is a MUST for ALL doctors AND pregnant women, especially those who live and/or visit an epidemic area!!!”

“The ONLY authoritative discussion of this disease. MUST READ … ‘Valley Fever Epidemic’ is the only book on this disease out there of any substance. It contains real information and more importantly, it’s CURRENT information. The facts and info in the book are well researched and written in language that every one should be able to understand, digest and remember. I have spent two years educating doctor after doctor and multiple veterinarians about Cocci – from symptoms to what titer numbers to look out for, and suggested treatment plans from other doctors familiar with Valley Fever. FINALLY there is a single book that I can pass out and share with family, friends who don’t have a clue why I feel like dirt 20 days out of 30, medical providers, and pharmacists who always think the length of the prescriptions are 6 months too long and must be a typo!”

“Finally, A book that will help everyone who breathes the air and needs to understand what even the healthy person needs to be aware of. But also for the unaware doctors and survivors of Valley Fever. What everyone needs to know. I am a five year survivor of Valley Fever. But dealing with doctors and specialists who are not knowledgeable enough on this horrible disease, has made me feel like I am the only one with vf. To this day, I still suffer from symptoms that debilitate my life. I am so grateful to have found the book Valley Fever Epidemic. I feel as though it has in a way saved my life. All my questions are answered in this book. I have a clear understanding of the disease now, and I now feel confident that I can go to my doctor and be my own advocate. The material covered in this book clearly indicates the most updated truth and facts of valley fever. I am so thankful that David Filip and Sharon Filip including the doctors and survivors, whom put so much time and effort into this book, have such caring and passion for the truth and facts to be told to every person that shares in breathing the air. Thank you for helping in saving my life.”
