COVID Pandemic: Know how to prevent from fatal Black Fungus infection

The second COVID-19 wave has not over yet and amid the rise in cases, another infection called mucormycosis or ‘black fungus’ infection among COVID-19 survivors. The government of India has also released an evidence-based advisory for screening, diagnosis, and management of the disease.

Mucormycosis is a fungal infection that could affect people who are on medication as it could reduce their ability to fight against environmental pathogens. As per government advisory, people should take this infection seriously as it may turn fatal if not cared for.

Sinuses or lungs of a patient would be affected after fungal spores are inhaled from the air.

The new guidelines for the disease were prepared by the ICMR and Union Health Ministry for the frontline workers.

Also Read: COVID-19 Precautions: Dos and don’ts while using oxygen at home

Sign and symptoms of Black Fungus Infection:

- Fever
- Pain and redness around eye or nose
- Co-morbidities- post-transplant/malignancy

What to do:

- Monitor your blood glucose level post-COVID-19 discharge and also in diabetic patients
- Control hyperglycemia
- Use clean, sterile water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy
- Take steroid judiciously- Correct dose on correct timing
- Use antibiotics/ antifungals judiciously

Also Read: CT scan test can lead to cancer? Here's what COVID positive patient should know

What not to do?

- Don’t panic if see any symptoms related to black fungus
- Consult your doctor without taking any medicine
- Don’t ignore any warning signs or symptoms
- In case of any symptoms, don’t hesitate to seek investigations for detecting fungal etiology

Here’s how you can prevent Black Fungus Infection:

• Wear a mask before stepping out of your home, especially use a mask when you are at dusty constructive sites
• Wear shoes, long sleeve shirts, long trousers, and gloves while handling soil (gardening), moss, or manure
• Don’t forget to take shower after coming back to your home because personal hygiene is important
• How to manage mucormycosis
• Reduce steroids (if the patient is still on) with the aim to discontinue rapidly
• No antifungal prophylaxis is required
• Discontinue immunomodulating drugs
• Extensive Surgical Debridement- to remove all necrotic material

Where to approach for treatment:

- Microbiologist
- Internal Medicine Specialist
- Ophthalmologist
- Dentist Surgeon (maxillofacial/plastic)
- Biochemist
- Intensivist Neurologist
- ENT Specialist

Also Read: Study finds evidence points to answer why COVID-19 is so hard to treat