Q fever - Treating Q fever

Most people who develop Q fever get better without treatment within two weeks.

However, you may need treatment with antibiotics if your symptoms are severe, do not improve or reoccur after the initial infection.

Antibiotics

If you are diagnosed with Q fever, you may be prescribed antibiotics, such as doxycycline or co-trimoxazole.

You will need to take these for seven to 14 days and for at least three days after your fever has improved.

If you are prescribed antibiotics, it is important you finish the whole course, even if you feel better. This is to ensure all bacteria have been killed, preventing the infection from reoccurring.

Long-term Q fever

Q fever that lasts for a prolonged period of time (chronic Q fever) can be difficult to treat. This is because the C. burnetii bacteria which cause Q fever can be resistant to antibiotics (antibiotics are unable to kill them).

If you have chronic Q fever, you will need a combination of antibiotics. You will probably be advised to take these for at least 18-36 months. However, the infection returns in more than half of those who complete such a long course of treatment.

You may also need to have blood tests every three to six months while being treated to check the treatment is working.

If the lining of your heart is inflamed (endocarditis), you will need hospital treatment. Read more about treating endocarditis.