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Published on: May 22, 2021
3 minute read
By: Dr Rajan Choudhary

COVID Associated Black Fungus: Succumbing To Black Fungus !

COVID associated Black Fungus: What you need to know

As COVID spreads across India, there has been an increase in reports of associated infection with a black fungus occurring in some patients. It affects the nose, mouth, eyes, and lungs, and can be fatal. This is an infection we need to be educated on, and early recognition of it can be life-saving. Today we will talk about Mucormycosis, the black fungus responsible for these infections, and what you should do to prevent or recognize an infection.

If you want to learn how to recognize the infection, go down to the INFECTION section of the article.

FUNGUS

When our body gets infected by a bacteria or virus, the signs and symptoms are often recognized early because bacteria and viruses are aggressive, with toxins and mechanisms designed to cause harm to our body and cause easily recognizable symptoms. Fungi on the other hand are slow-growing, and usually, our bodies can fight usually fight these infections before they become a problem. We breathe in fungal spores all the time, especially when outside, in the garden, or in fields, and they cause no harm.

Mucormycosis, the responsible fungus, is found in soil, and decaying fruits and vegetables. It can enter our body by inhalation, by eating foods infected with it, or by direct contact with an open wound, thereby entering our blood. It can be found inside the nose of healthy people, causing no problems or disease. Before the COVID pandemic, infection by mucormycosis was up to 80 times more prevalent in India than in other developed countries, though still rare.

IMMUNOSUPPRESSION

Looking at case reports of patients infected with mucormycosis shows a common theme. Immunocompromised patients are at much higher risk of infection by the fungus and are more likely to have severe disease. This includes patients with diabetes, poorly controlled diabetes, patients taking steroids, organ transplant patients (who are usually on immunosuppressive medications to prevent rejection), those with blood cancer (leukemia/lymphoma, reducing your blood immunity).

Diabetes (especially poorly controlled diabetes) is a major problem in these cases, as diabetes is fairly common in India, can lay unrecognized, and if not controlled or treated appropriately the rising blood sugar levels can damage your arteries, nerves, and significantly lower your immunity. Any infection in diabetic patients can be more difficult to treat and spread more quickly, and this is made worse by COVID-19.

COVID causes widespread inflammation throughout the body, especially the lungs, and the resulting damage causes difficulty breathing and death by respiratory failure. Steroids are currently our best way to treat COVID, by suppressing the body’s immune system and preventing lung damage. Unfortunately, this also allows mucormycosis spores inhaled by COVID patients to infect the now vulnerable, damaged airway, lungs, and sinuses, and start spreading. The body’s response to the infection is dampened by the steroids, and in those with diabetes, it is hindered further.

INFECTION

The black fungus usually spreads in the nose and sinuses of the skull, as it prefers a warm, humid environment. From here it can spread into the eyes and in rare cases the brain.

Recognize the symptoms of the fungus, and be very suspicious in patients with diabetes or those who have had high doses of steroids.

- Facial swelling on one side

- Nose or sinus congestion

- Pain in the sinuses, around the nose, and eyes

- Black mold growing around the nose or mouth

- Fever, headache

When it infects the lungs it can cause symptoms such as cough, shortness of breath, or chest pain. Unfortunately, this can be difficult to separate from symptoms of COVID infection.

If you suspect you or someone you know has these symptoms, and they have the risk factors of immunosuppression or diabetes, you should visit a doctor early. Mucormycosis has a high mortality rate, and a delay in diagnosis by even a week can double it. Your doctor will take swab samples from your nose and look for signs of the fungus under a microscope. Blood tests and scans are also helpful in identifying the fungal infection.

TREATMENT AND PREVENTION

Treatment of mucormycosis requires IV antifungals such as Amphotericin B and may involve surgery to remove the infected areas and prevent further spread. This can include surgery in and around the nose, sinuses, and in rare cases even the eyes. This all depends on the extent of the fungal infection.

Prevention is key in these cases. Simple measures such as wearing a mask to reduce inhalation of spores can minimize infection, especially in the vulnerable, though it may not prevent it if they already had spores present in their nose and sinuses. Glucose tests to look for diabetes, and strict control of diabetes will improve your chances significantly. Keeping your blood sugar levels within the normal range is very important, so if you are diabetic now is the time to stick to your diabetic diet and medications.

Finally, we need to be careful when using immunosuppressive medications to treat COVID, and determining which patients should receive steroids (dexamethasone, prednisolone) and other drugs such as tocilizumab. If you are young and healthy, or you have a milder infection of COVID-19, it may be better for you to not take steroids early. Those with more serious COVID-19 infections may need steroids to survive, and in these cases frequent checks for mucormycosis infection is advisable.

The rise in this rare fungal disease in patients with COVID-19 presents a problem, as we do not have much literature to base our recommendations on, the disease is slow-growing and can be difficult to treat. But as always, understanding the disease process for black fungus and knowing its symptoms is important, as is informing your family and friends about this disease.

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Masseuse Visits: How Monthly Stress Relief Camps Improve Workplace Well-Being

Stress has become one of the most common health challenges of modern life. Long working hours, screen exposure, sedentary routines and emotional pressures create a constant state of physical and mental tension. Over time, this stress accumulates and begins to affect sleep, productivity, immunity and emotional stability. This is why masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps are emerging as a valuable wellness intervention.

These camps are not about luxury or indulgence. They are structured, preventive wellness initiatives designed to help people relax, reset and restore balance in their bodies and minds.

Why Stress Needs Structured Management

Stress is not always visible, but its impact is real.

Chronic stress contributes to:

muscle tension and body pain
headaches and migraines
anxiety and irritability
sleep disturbances
weakened immunity

According to WHO, unmanaged stress is a significant risk factor for both physical and mental health disorders.

What Are Monthly Stress Relief Camps?

Monthly stress relief camps are organised wellness sessions that focus on relaxation-based therapies. Massage visits form a central component of these camps, where trained therapists provide structured massage sessions aimed at relieving physical tension and calming the nervous system.

These camps typically include:

short therapeutic massage sessions
guided relaxation techniques
posture awareness
breathing exercises

They are designed to be accessible, time-efficient and safe.

How Massage Therapy Reduces Stress

Massage works through multiple biological pathways.

Nervous System Regulation

Massage activates the parasympathetic nervous system, which is responsible for rest and recovery. This helps:

lower heart rate
reduce blood pressure
calm the mind

Reduction of Stress Hormones

Studies show massage lowers cortisol levels, the primary stress hormone.

Lower cortisol is linked to:

improved mood
better sleep
enhanced immune response

Muscle Relaxation

Long hours of sitting or standing cause muscle stiffness.

Massage helps by:

improving blood flow
releasing muscle knots
reducing stiffness

This improves physical comfort.

Mental Health Benefits of Masseuse Visits

Mental health is closely tied to physical relaxation.

Regular massage sessions:

reduce anxiety
promote calmness
improve emotional stability
enhance overall mood

Lancet research highlights the role of physical relaxation techniques in supporting mental health outcomes.

Why Monthly Frequency Matters

One-time relaxation is not enough.

Monthly camps:

provide consistent relief
prevent stress buildup
encourage routine self-care

Consistency is the foundation of preventive wellness.

Who Benefits from Stress Relief Camps?

These camps benefit:

working professionals
caregivers
students
frontline workers
individuals with sedentary lifestyles

Anyone experiencing chronic stress can benefit.

Workplace Impact of Stress

Workplace stress affects both individuals and organisations.

It leads to:

reduced productivity
burnout
absenteeism
poor job satisfaction

NITI Aayog reports emphasize the need for preventive wellness initiatives at workplaces.

How Masseuse Visits Improve Workplace Wellness

Enhanced Focus and Productivity

Relaxed muscles and a calm mind improve concentration.

Reduced Musculoskeletal Pain

Massage addresses:

neck pain
shoulder tension
lower back discomfort

Common in desk-based roles.

Better Sleep Quality

Stress relief improves sleep, which further enhances mental clarity.

Positive Workplace Culture

Wellness initiatives show employees that their health matters.

Physical Health Benefits Beyond Relaxation

Massage therapy improves:

circulation
lymphatic drainage
joint mobility
posture awareness

These benefits reduce long-term health risks.

Safety and Professional Standards

Masseuse visits in stress relief camps should:

use trained professionals
follow hygiene protocols
offer non-invasive techniques
respect personal boundaries

Safety and dignity are essential.

Integration with Preventive Healthcare

Stress relief camps complement:

health screenings
mental health counseling
nutrition programs
fitness initiatives

They form part of a holistic wellness ecosystem.

How Monthly Camps Encourage Self-Care

Many people ignore early stress signals.

Regular wellness camps:

normalize self-care
promote early intervention
reduce stigma around mental health

This proactive approach prevents burnout.

Measuring the Impact of Stress Relief Camps

Impact can be assessed through:

stress level surveys
absenteeism rates
employee feedback
productivity metrics

Data helps refine future programs.

Long-Term Value of Stress Relief Programs

Over time, organisations notice:

improved morale
reduced healthcare costs
higher engagement
stronger loyalty

Preventive care always costs less than treatment.

Common Myths About Massage-Based Wellness

Myth: Massage is only for luxury

Reality: It is a validated stress management technique.

Myth: It is temporary relief

Reality: Regular sessions offer cumulative benefits.

Myth: Only physical benefits exist

Reality: Mental and emotional benefits are equally important.

Why Holistic Stress Management Matters

Stress affects:

hormones
digestion
immunity
sleep
emotional regulation

Addressing it holistically leads to lasting improvement.

Conclusion

Masseuse visits through monthly stress relief camps offer far more than temporary relaxation. They represent a structured, preventive approach to managing stress, enhancing mental well-being and supporting physical health. In a world where burnout is becoming increasingly common, consistent wellness interventions help individuals reset, recharge and regain balance. By investing in regular stress relief programs, communities and organisations build healthier, happier and more resilient individuals.

References

World Health Organization (WHO) – Stress and Mental Health Reports
Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) – Lifestyle and Stress Research
NITI Aayog – Workplace Wellness and Preventive Healthcare Reports
Lancet – Stress, Burnout and Mental Health Studies
Statista – Global Workplace Wellness Trends
EY-FICCI – Corporate Wellness and Productivity Reports

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