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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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Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs: Building Community-Centered Preventive Wellness in India

India is facing a growing burden of lifestyle-related health conditions, including diabetes, obesity, hypertension and heart disease. According to ICMR and NFHS-5 data, dietary habits play a central role in the development and prevention of these conditions. While awareness around nutrition is increasing, sustaining healthy eating habits remains a challenge for many individuals.

The Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs is a community-driven initiative designed to address this gap. By bringing people together around nutritious food, shared learning and expert guidance, these potlucks transform healthy eating from an individual responsibility into a collective experience.

SecondMedic supports these events as part of its broader preventive healthcare mission, combining community engagement with medical expertise and digital health tools.

Why Community-Based Nutrition Initiatives Matter in India

1. Rising lifestyle disease burden

ICMR reports show that diet-related conditions account for a significant proportion of non-communicable diseases in India. Excess sugar, refined carbohydrates and processed foods are common contributors.

2. Nutrition knowledge gaps

NFHS-5 highlights widespread deficiencies in:

protein intake
micronutrients
dietary diversity

Community events help translate knowledge into practice.

3. Behaviour change is easier together

Research published in The Lancet suggests that group-based interventions are more effective in sustaining lifestyle changes than isolated efforts.

4. Cultural relevance of shared meals

Food is deeply social in Indian culture. Potlucks leverage this tradition to promote healthier choices without imposing rigid rules.

What Is the Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs?

The Monthly Healthy Potluck is a recurring wellness event hosted at designated Health Hubs. Participants bring healthy, home-prepared dishes and engage in guided discussions about nutrition, ingredients and portion balance.

The goal is not calorie counting, but mindful, informed eating that aligns with preventive health principles.

Key Components of the Healthy Potluck Program

1. Nutritious Home-Cooked Food

Participants are encouraged to prepare dishes using:

whole grains
seasonal vegetables
lean proteins
healthy fats
minimal added sugar and salt

This showcases practical, everyday meals rather than restrictive diets.

2. Nutrition Education in Simple Language

Dietitians and healthcare professionals explain:

why certain ingredients are beneficial
how portion sizes affect metabolism
ways to modify traditional recipes for better health

This bridges the gap between theory and daily cooking.

3. Peer Learning and Motivation

Participants learn from each other’s recipes, challenges and successes. This shared experience builds motivation and accountability.

4. Preventive Health Focus

Discussions link food choices to prevention of:

diabetes
heart disease
obesity
gut disorders
nutrient deficiencies

The emphasis is on long-term wellbeing, not short-term fixes.

Who Can Benefit from Monthly Healthy Potlucks?

Working professionals

Learn quick, balanced meal ideas suited for busy schedules.

Families

Encourage healthier eating habits for children and elders alike.

Seniors

Focus on nutrient-dense foods that support ageing and immunity.

Individuals with lifestyle conditions

Gain practical guidance for diabetes-friendly, heart-healthy or weight-conscious meals.

Health-conscious individuals

Build consistency and community support around wellness goals.

The Role of Health Hubs in Preventive Care

Health Hubs act as physical spaces where preventive healthcare becomes accessible and engaging. By hosting regular potlucks, these hubs move beyond diagnostics and consultations to address everyday behaviours that shape health outcomes.

SecondMedic integrates these community activities with:

preventive screening programs
nutrition consultations
AI Health Guide insights
digital health records

This ensures that learning from the potluck translates into measurable health improvements.

How AI Health Guide Enhances Community Nutrition Programs

SecondMedic’s AI Health Guide complements potluck initiatives by:

• Identifying common dietary gaps

Based on participant data and screening results.

• Personalising recommendations

Aligns food choices with individual health profiles.

• Tracking progress over time

Monitors changes in weight, glucose, cholesterol and energy levels.

• Supporting expert guidance

Provides data-backed insights for dietitians during discussions.

This blend of community engagement and technology strengthens preventive outcomes.

Benefits of Monthly Healthy Potlucks

1. Improved nutrition awareness

Participants gain clarity on healthy ingredients and cooking methods.

2. Sustainable behaviour change

Monthly repetition reinforces habits without overwhelm.

3. Reduced reliance on processed food

Exposure to simple, healthy recipes encourages home cooking.

4. Stronger community bonds

Shared goals foster trust, motivation and support.

5. Alignment with preventive healthcare

Nutrition becomes a proactive tool for disease prevention.

Long-Term Impact on Public Health

Community-driven initiatives like healthy potlucks can have a significant impact on public health outcomes. According to WHO and NITI Aayog, population-level dietary improvements are among the most cost-effective strategies for reducing non-communicable diseases.

By normalising healthy eating through social interaction, Monthly Healthy Potlucks contribute to:

reduced lifestyle disease risk
improved dietary diversity
greater health literacy

How SecondMedic Supports and Scales These Initiatives

SecondMedic plays a key role in ensuring that these events are structured, evidence-based and scalable by providing:

• Expert involvement

Dietitians and doctors guide discussions.

• Digital follow-up

Participants receive personalised insights post-event.

• Preventive health integration

Links potluck learnings with screenings and consultations.

• Community engagement tools

Newsletters, reminders and educational resources maintain momentum.

Conclusion

The Monthly Healthy Potluck at Health Hubs represents a powerful shift in how preventive healthcare is delivered in India. By combining community participation, nutrition education and expert guidance, these events make healthy eating practical, enjoyable and sustainable. Supported by SecondMedic’s preventive healthcare ecosystem, healthy potlucks transform everyday food choices into long-term wellness strategies.

7?? References

ICMR – Dietary Patterns and Lifestyle Disease Prevention
National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) – Nutrition and Health Indicators
NITI Aayog – Preventive Health and Community Wellness Reports
WHO – Community-Based Nutrition Interventions Guidelines
Lancet – Effectiveness of Group-Based Lifestyle Interventions
Statista – Nutrition Awareness and Preventive Health Trends India
EY-FICCI – Preventive Healthcare and Community Engagement Studies

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