Yellow Fungus- All you need to know about!

Amidst of COVID-19 and fungal infections, there have been reported cases of a new kind of fungal infection known as Yellow Fungus. Currently, there has been a rampant surge in the number of people getting affected by fungal infections, especially those who have recently recovered from COVID-19. After the black and white fungus, it is the yellow fungus that is catching the buzz as the doctors call it scarier than other fungal infections.

According to recent reports, the first case of this virus has been reported from Ghaziabad, Uttar Pradesh. The health experts and government authorities are still trying to configure about the disease, yet it has been flagged out as dangerous.

So, what exactly is Yellow fungus? Black fungus has been now declared as an epidemic in some states of India, yellow fungus is much more like an infection that spreads through a contaminated environment or when patients inhale moulds that grow in the environment. The major difference amongst these fungal infections lies in the manner of their spread. Black fungus starts with facial disfiguration while the yellow fungus infection starts to cause symptoms by attacking on the body’s internal organs and by disturbing vital bodily processes. This fungus can spread through high levels of humidity and presence of old, contaminated food. Apart from this, poor hygiene and unsanitary conditions remain to be the prime reasons behind the infection. This infection can affect the people with compromised immunity; however, it is not contagious since it can not spread from person to person like other respiratory diseases including COVID-19.

Symptoms of yellow fungus include:

• Loss of appetite
• Disrupted digestion
• Sudden weight loss
• Dizziness
• Low wound healing
• Sunken eyes

According to Centre of Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), the risk of fungal infection is more in people who:

• Have spent more time in the Intensive Care Unit.
• Have low White blood cells
• Have been suffering from immunity complications
• Have been on extensive antibacterial or steroid use
• Have been suffering from uncontrolled diabetes
• Have been undergoing dialysis

What can be done to protect oneself from this infection?

• Building immunity is the first and foremost step to be taken to protect yourself from this infection since it affects those who are immune compromised.
• People suffering from diabetes are at greater risk of catching the infection, therefore proper measures to be taken to keep glucose levels in check.
• Practice cleanliness and hygiene since one reason for the spread of these hazardous moulds is unsanitary environments.
• Proper care should be taken for those who are on oxygen therapy. Make sure that the oxygen is filtered and not contaminated.
• Follow proper mask mandates and maintain personal hygiene.

Footnote:

It is very important to take care of your immune system by including healthy foods and spices in your diet to decrease the risk of both COVID-19 and other health ailments. Also, make sure to consult your doctor if you are suffering from any of the symptoms written above.