What can I do to help prevent histoplasmosis?
If you live in a region of the eastern US where histoplasmosis is common, you can help prevent infection by wearing a mask or respirator when you work in a dirty or dusty area. For example, you should take this precaution if you are collecting soil samples, demolishing buildings, cleaning chicken coops, cutting trees, or going into caves. If your immune system is weak, it is especially important to try to avoid places where you might be exposed to the fungus and to wear a mask when you risk exposure. Unlike infections such as colds or flu, histoplasmosis isn’t spread from person to person by coughing, so you don’t have to worry about infecting other people.
