I have been diagnosised with Q-fever

[pooh0614]

I am currently a contractor in Iraq. In June 2008 I became very ill with severe flu like symptoms and was postively diagnosised with Q-fever in October 2008. At the time of illness I spent 5 days in ICU and received re-hydration and placed on Doxcyline for 45 days. I have been experceining chronic fatigue and malaise since my release from hospital. I had some follow up labs in December 2008 that indicated very high uric acid levels, but no gout. Could this be an issue with my Q-fever or something else?  I am seeking more information for follow up care in the United States.

[tinkerpoet]

HI, I am a 42 year old woman with "Q" Fever for the last three years.It took two years to find my "Q" Fever. It is very important if you are a Chronic Q Fever patient to continue with antibiotics for several years to life. If antibiotics are not taken, you will get much, much worse.

There are many cases of Chronic Fatigue in Chronic Q Fever Patients. In addition some Acute patients also had Chronic Fatigue several months or years later after Acute Q Fever Attack.

I am a Chronic Q Fever patient and also have severe chronic fatigue. However it has gotten much better with the use of Plaquinal and Doxcycline. I have been told by my Infectious Disease Doc at UCSF that I will need to stay on low doses of antibiotics on a daily basis 10 years to life!  There are many diseases that can cause complications as well as death if antibiotics are not taken.

The antibiotics are not a cure - there is no cure for Q fever. However, they help treat the symptoms and reduce the chances of getting other life threatening diseases.

You should immediately see an infectious disease specialist to establish if you are a Chronic Q Fever patient and test your Titer Levels for Q Fever. If you do not have Chronic Q Fever, than the specialist will help determine what other diseases or sickness may be causing your fatigue.

DO NOT DELAY!

Heather