Yellow Fungus
The second wave of coronavirus is finally slowing down with daily cases in India dipping to below 2 lakhs, but new fungal infections have followed in its aftermath, the most recently reported one being the deadly "Yellow Fungus".
A patient recovering from Covid-19 in UP was recently diagnosed with yellow fungus, while he was already infected with both black and white fungal infections. Yellow fungus is even more dangerous as it originates internally, which makes it more difficult to identify and treat the disease.
Yellow Fungus:
Yellow fungus, also called mucor septic, is a fungal infection, which as per experts does not generally occur in humans but in lizards. The treatment for Covid-19 includes steroids and immunosuppressants that leave the body with weak immunity.
Yellow fungus is a fungal infection that spreads via contaminated environments or when a patient inhales moulds that grow in the environment. It is different from black fungus and white fungus infections in its manner of spreading. The yellow fungus attacks the body's internal organs and disturbs vital bodily processes, whereas black fungus starts spreading with distinct facial disfiguration. Damage caused by yellow fungus is much more severe. Hence, people should start to observe its symptoms from day 1 and consult their doctor.
Yellow Fungus spread:
The yellow fungus spreads when a person inhales molds that are in the environment. It can also spread through the presence of contaminated or old food unsanitary conditions, poor hygiene, and a high level of humidity from the spread of the infection. Yellow fungus isn't contagious, hence, it cannot spread from person to person.
Is yellow fungus more dangerous than white and black fungus:
The yellow fungus can be treated easily when detected on time, but because it arises within the body, the detection and treatment are often delayed. It can even cause organ failure in many people. Though there is yet no clear study or data by experts to give an exact figure on the mortality rate.
White fungus:
As compared to black fungus, fewer cases of white have been detected. Symptoms of white fungus are similar to that of covid-19 infection. People who have compromised immunity and not following proper hygiene are more prone to catching the infection. Delay in the treatment can be dangerous. White fungus is more lethal because of the way it spreads, which can cause damage to vital organs. It can impact the brain, digestive system, respiratory organs, kidneys, and even private parts.
Black fungus:
So far, more than 10,000 cases of black fungus have been reported. The fungus affects the eyes, nose, face, lungs, and even brain in some severe cases. As per experts, misuse of steroids can be a reason behind the rise in black fungus cases. People who are given steroids for a long time, have other comorbidities, or are on oxygen support for a long time are more at risk of contracting the infection. If not treated in time, it can turn fatal.
Symptoms:
Symptoms of yellow fungus include weight loss, lethargy, and loss of appetite or no appetite. Other symptoms could be the formation and leakage of pus and sunken eyes. Due to the yellow fungus, the healing of wounds gets hindered and prolonged. It can also result in malnutrition, organ failure, and necrosis in extreme cases.
Risk factors:
Yellow fungus might occur as a primary or secondary infection, depending on an individual's health and risk factors. So far, it has been observed that people with compromised immunity and suffering from pre-existing conditions such ad high cholesterol and uncontrolled diabetes are at higher risk of getting infected with yellow fungus.
The infection could also occur by the fungus entering the skin through cuts, burns, scrapes, or any other skin trauma. Other individuals at high risk of fungal infections also include:
- Individuals who were in the ICU for a long time.
- Individuals who have an organ transplant recently and have low WBC or immune complications
- Individuals on steroid or antibacterial use for long duration.
- Individuals who have kidney damage or are on dialysis.
Yellow fungus more dangerous!
Yellow fungus is more dangerous as compared to other fungal infections because it spreads internally and causes more internal damage.
Precautions:
Here are some precautions that one must take to protect themselves from yellow fungus:
- Keep your house and surroundings clean
- Do not consume stale food
- Keep the humidity in the room in check Too much humidity can promote the growth of the fungus. Try to maintain cross ventilation.
- Covid-19 patients should start their treatment as soon as possible so that complications like yellow fungus do not arise.
No comments:
Post a Comment