What is Black Fungus or Mucormycosis
Black Fungus or Mucormycosis is a rare but serious fungal infection. It is caused by a group of fungi known as mucormycetes which is present in environment. It is observed in many Covid patients and also those who recovered from it. When a person inhale this fungal spores, their lungs or sinuses get affected. Generally Mucormycosis is not creating a major threat to the people having a healthy immune system.
Causes of Black Fungus infection or Mucormycosis?
It is caused by a group of fungi called as mucormycetes. This fungi lives in soil and other decaying organic matter like rotten wood, leaves and compost piles. It can enter the human body via nose, mouth eyes and even by skin.
If not treated on time the Black fungus can also affect the brain. Expert also claimed that the misuse or overuse of steroids during the treatment of Covid-19 is one of the main reason of this fungal infection. The people who are having serious health problems, diabetic and on medications that reduces the body’s ability to fight diseases are having a high chance of getting infected.
Post Covid treatment the person’s immunity is low which is the reason for getting infected by Black Fungus.
Symptoms of Black Fungus / Mucormycosis
According to CDC the different parts of body shows different symptoms.
- Headache
- Fever
- Cough
- Chest Pain
- Shortness of Breath
- Abdominal Pain
- Facial pain
- Nasal congestion
- Loss of vision or pain in eyes
- Altered mental state, confusion
- Swelling in cheeks and eyes
- Toothache, loosening of teeth
- Black crusts in the nose
How to prevent black fungus?
When a person’s having symptoms like headache, fever, pain in teeth or eyes, blur in eyesight, then there are chances that he is suffering from Mucormycosis. Consult a doctor immediately if you are having these symptoms and specially if you are diabetic and recently recovered from Covid.
Doctor suggests to maintain a good hygiene by bathing daily and doing gargling. Taking bath daily, take steams and gargles are very effective. Oral and Nasal care is also very important. Diabetic people need to be very careful and must maintain their sugar levels and hygiene around them. Even after recovering from Covid-19, wear a mask to protect yourself and others from the Covid as well as Black Fungus.
As an aside: I also recommend you to read Do’s and Don’ts for Home Quarantine .
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