Black Fungus and White Fungus: Things You Should Know

As of June 1, 2022, the second wave of the COVID-19 virus that has infected large number of people across the country is proving to be far deadlier than just in itself. Some recovering COVID-19 patients have been observed to develop symptoms and infections of what is called Mucormycosis more prevalent known as the black fungus. In some cases, it has seemed to be fatal to some patients. Then there is something called white fungus and some people are even getting into the conversations about a deadlier version known as the yellow fungus.

This has led to a major panic and outcry both among the ordinary people and media. But before you let the already existing anxiety of the pandemic and now this news of this affect you, let us educate ourselves about it, so that we can stay clear of this new phenomenon before it hits us.

Black and White Fungus Infections and Its Symptoms

Black and white fungus infections are invasive infections. People are infected by inhaling the fungal spores of this class of molds in the air and in the surrounding dust. The infection is lodged in the passages of the infected person’s nose and sinuses leading to the full infection.

Why are COVID-19 patients more prone to black or white fungus infection?

COVID-19 patients are more prone to this infection because of the facts that:

• Most of them are taking steroids.
• This leads to their immune system getting weaker.
• Coronavirus patients who are on oxygen support are more prone to this infection as the white fungus may directly affect the lungs of these patients.
• Many drugs used to fight COVID-19 suppress the body’s immune system that would normally protect the individual from a fungal infection.
• People with excess blood sugar and cancer are more prone to white fungus infection.

Treatment of White and Black Fungal Infections

Patients with white fungus are currently being treated with known anti-fungal medication, and it has been said have worked in the initial phases of treatment to people who have been infected with white fungal infection.

In the case of Black fungus, unchecked level of blood sugar, abuse of steroids during COVID-19 treatment are being generally considered as the reasons for this outbreak. Hence, the Indian government has ramped up the production and import of its drug and most states have notified this disease as an epidemic.

Prevention of Black and White Fungus Infection

Here are how people can prevent getting infected by black and white fungus infections:

• The first way to prevent it is to avoid getting COVID-19 infection. Hence, it is important to strengthen the immunity.
• It is recommended to not overuse steroids during COVID-19 treatment.
• Steroids should be given only when the oxygen levels go down and pneumonia occurs.
• When the condition is stable, reduction of the number of steroids is necessary, so that there is no problem of blood sugar fluctuation.

Is taking Steroids in fever a problem even after COVID-19 Recovery?

According to an interview taken by India TV News, Dr. Rakesh Malhotra from AIIMS suggests “If even after one week of recovering from COVID-19, a person is witnessing fever and breathlessness, then these are red flag signs. Steroids may therefore be required. In such a situation, you should immediately contact the doctor. The first week after the COVID-19 recovery is very important. It is advised to stay clear of steroids at this time.”

What are the possible ways to get aid if infected by White and Black Fungus Infection?

The first thing to do, would be to consult a doctor and follow their recommendations. It is essential that if the symptoms are this chronic, the patients whether infected by any fungal infection or not will require treatment.