Dos and Don'ts of Mucormycosis (Black Fungus) | New threat to COVID19 patient ?

 

Along with COVID-19 there is new threat arising with Covid-19 patient, "Mucormycosis, also know as Black Fungus". It is seen in in patients who have recovered from COVID-19. 

Also read-  COVID19 महामारी के दौरान स्वस्थ रहने के लिए दैनिक जीवन शैली कैसी होनी चाहिए।

What is Black fungus?

Black fungus is a rare and serious infection which is caused by Mucormycetes (Group of Molds). It mainly affects the people, having a low immunity or who have a health problem 

Addressing a press conference on Friday Niti Aayog Member (Health) V K Paul said "The fungal infection called mucormycosis is being found in patients of COVID-19 disease. It is caused by a fungus named mucor, which is found on wet surfaces. It, to a large extent, is happening to people who have diabetes. It is very uncommon in those who are not diabetic. There is no big outbreak and we are monitoring it".

 Also Read- Covid-Induced BLACK FUNGAL | How deadly it is? | New Threat to covid patient?

Dos  

1. Control hyperglycemia

2. Monitor blood glucose level post COVID19 discharge and also in diabetics.

3. Use steroid judiciously- correct timing, correct dose and duration

4. Use clean, sterile water for humidifiers during oxygen therapy

5. Use antibiotics/antifungals judiciously

 

Don'ts  

1. Do not miss warning signs and symptoms

2. Do not consider all the cases with blocked noses cases of bacterial sinusitis, particularly in the context of immunosuppression and/or COVID19 patients on immunomodulators

3. Do not hesitate to seek aggressive investigation, as appropriate , for detecting fungal etiology

4. Don not lose crucial time to initiate treatment for mucormycosis