Q fever does not always cause symptoms. Some people get flu-like symptoms within 2 to 3 weeks of being infected, such as:
- a high temperature
- aching muscles
- tiredness
- feeling sick
- a sore throat
- swollen glands
Symptoms of Q fever usually last up to 2 weeks.
Q fever is most often spread to humans by close contact with infected farm animals.
The bacteria can be spread by contact with:
- afterbirth (placenta)
- blood
- pee
- poo
- animal skins, fur and wool
The bacteria can spread by being breathed in or through touch.
You can also get Q fever from drinking unpasteurised milk (milk that has not been heated to kill bacteria), but this is less likely.
Although Q fever is rare, people who work closely with animals are more at risk, such as farmers, vets, stablehands and abattoir workers.
See a GP if:
You think you have Q fever and:
- you're pregnant – Q fever can cause miscarriage and serious complications if it spreads to your baby, especially if you catch it early in pregnancy
- your immune system is weakened, for example, if you have had an organ transplant or you're having chemotherapy – the infection may affect your eyes or brain
- you have heart valve disease (where 1 or more of your heart valves are diseased or damaged)
Q fever is usually harmless, but in rare cases it can lead to serious problems.
If a GP thinks you might have Q fever, they can arrange a blood test to see if you have been infected.
If you're pregnant and you test positive for Q fever, a GP can refer you for more tests to see if your baby has been infected. This is very rare.
If your Q fever symptoms are severe or they're not getting better, a GP may prescribe a course of antibiotics for 1 or 2 weeks.
It's important to finish the whole course of antibiotics, even if you start to feel better.
There is currently no licensed vaccine for Q fever available in the UK.
If you work with animals:
In a few people with Q fever, the symptoms can last for months. This is known as chronic Q fever.
Chronic Q fever sometimes leads to serious heart problems, such as endocarditis.
People with chronic Q fever may need a much longer course of antibiotics and treatment in hospital for any complications that develop.