Every year in September, Fungal Disease Awareness Week shines a spotlight on an often-overlooked health issue: serious fungal infections that can affect the lungs and are frequently mistaken for other illnesses. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), fungal diseases are increasing and are often misdiagnosed or undiagnosed, resulting in delayed treatment and sometimes leading to severe illness.
Many people are surprised to learn that fungi can cause pneumonia and other respiratory infections. Because symptoms such as cough, fever, chest pain and shortness of breath can resemble viral or bacterial illnesses, fungal infections may not be considered right away. As a result, some patients receive antibiotics that do not help because antibiotics do not treat fungal diseases.
Think Fungus When Symptoms Don't Improve
Certain fungal diseases, including histoplasmosis, blastomycosis, Valley fever (coccidioidomycosis) and aspergillosis, can affect the lungs. People can get these infections by breathing in tiny fungal spores found in soil and the environment.
One important warning sign is when a respiratory infection does not improve as expected. Because fungal lung infections are frequently mistaken for other conditions, getting the right diagnosis can take time. “We often see patients with fungal pneumonias given several rounds of antibiotics and weeks of misdiagnoses before a fungal diagnostic test is even ordered," explained epidemiologist, Dr. Dallas Smith. Those delays may allow the infection to worsen and, in some cases, lead to long-term health problems.
For some people, the consequences can be significant. Alex, whose Valley fever progressed to severe disease, shared, “I ultimately lost my entire right lung due to the many complications of the Valley fever destroying my lung tissue." Her experience highlights why awareness, timely diagnosis and appropriate treatment matter.
If you've been treated for pneumonia, but your symptoms persist, worsen or fail to respond to antibiotics, it may be worth asking your healthcare provider whether fungal testing should be considered.
Who Is Most at Risk for Fungal Infections?
While anyone can develop a fungal infection, some groups have a higher risk of severe disease. These include:
- People with chronic lung diseases such as COPD, asthma or bronchiectasis.
- People with weakened immune systems.
- Older adults.
- People exposed to soil, dust, bird droppings or certain workplace environments.
How to Help Prevent Fungal Infections
While it isn't always possible to avoid exposure to fungi, there are steps you can take to lower your risk. Many fungi that can cause lung infections live in soil, dust and decaying plant material. When gardening, landscaping or working in dusty areas, try to minimize the amount of dust you breathe in by wetting down soil before digging and avoiding unnecessary exposure to airborne dust.
People with chronic lung disease or weakened immune systems should be especially cautious around areas with disturbed soil, mold or bird and bat droppings, as these are common areas where disease-causing fungi may be found. If you live in or travel to an area where fungal diseases are more likely, talk with your healthcare provider about your individual risk.
Remember to pay attention to lingering symptoms. If a cough, fever, shortness of breath or other respiratory symptoms are not improving as expected, ask your healthcare provider whether a fungal infection could be a possible cause. Early recognition and appropriate testing can help you get the treatment you need sooner.
Awareness Can Save Lives
Increased awareness among both healthcare providers and the public can help improve diagnosis, treatment and outcomes. Early recognition is especially important because fungal infections often require antifungal medications rather than antibiotics. “Fungal diseases start where life happens, and we encourage everyone to think fungus early and often to save lives,” concluded Dr. Smith.
Fungal Disease Awareness Week is a good time to learn the signs and symptoms, understand your risk and encourage conversations with healthcare providers when respiratory symptoms don't improve as expected.
Learn more at Lung.org/pneumonia.
Blog last updated: September 14, 2026
