What is Black Fungus?

India is now facing a new problem on top of the COVID splurge: Black Fungus.

* All information has been collected from secondary sources. Please do your own research as well if need be, do not just go by my word. *

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In order to make it easy for us to understand what Black Fungus is, I have divided this post into three sections:

- What is the infection?

- What are the symptoms and the impact?

- What is the cure and precautions?

What is the infection?

Black Fungus is another name for an infection called Mucormycosis. Mucormycosis is a rare fungal infection caused by moulds (moulds are a form of fungus found on plants, soil, and our general environment).

Generally, we are in contact with these moulds very regularly. Anyhow, as majority of us have strong immunities, that is why we have not, yet, been infected with "Black Fungus" or Mucormycosis. However, due to COVID - many people's immunity has been weakened, rendering them incapable of fighting against the moulds and this infection.

That is why this infection has come up recently - because the mass population now has weaker immunity which is inviting other diseases. Black Fungus has also been declared an epidemic (epidemic is a title given to a disease that affects many people in a specific community, region or population) in Bihar, Jammu & Kashmir, and Uttarakhand .

What are the symptoms and the impact?

The infection's symptoms are noticeable, however, at times ignored too. The general symptoms are blackening or discolouration of the nose, fever, nausea, blurred or double vision, coughing blood, difficulties in breathing, and chest pain.

Just like any fungus - this infection also travels around the body. It can settle around a person's face and mutilate many facial features, like the jaw or nose. The fungus also settles around the eyes and blackens it gradually.

As the infection can move around in the body, it may also reach the brain. At this point, the mortality rate is not favourable.

Therefore, please do not ignore any signs. Remember to be safe, rather than sorry.

What is the cure and precautions?

The precautions are fairly straightforward, as Black Fungus is something found in the natural environment, hygiene becomes your priority. Secondly, the fungus is attacking COVID patients at a higher rate due to their weaker immunities; thus, (if possible) do not catch COVID; if you have caught the virus, then consult a doctor and explore immunity-boosting options.

The treatment of Black Fungus is generally done through prescribed anti-fungal medications.

The infection is removed by locating and getting rid of the body part which houses the infection. Thus, doctors have been surgically removing eyes and jaws in order to stop the growth and strength of the infection.

Therefore, ensure to consult doctors in all cases. Only trust the professional's words and nobody else's.

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These are trying times, it is essential to keep health as your priority. Please, as a request, follow necessary protocols and do your best to stay safe and away from these diseases.

Once again, all written above is my understanding of the infection. Please do your own research if there are any doubts.