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Published on: Aug 03, 2021
2 minute read
By: Second Medic Pulmonologist

What Is Mucormycosis & COVID-19 Associated With Mucormycosis ?

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious infectious disease that can be caused by inhaling spores from the ubiquitous fungi. These organisms, commonly found in soil and composts are also present on fallen leaves or animal dung. Less contagious than other types of infections, mucormycosis mainly affects people who have weakened immune systems because it cannot spread like others that do not need an outside source to enter one's body via open wounds or cuts. Mucoromyces mean "fuzz," which describes their appearance when seen under a microscope with long branching filaments called pseudohistiocysts arising off these branched threads (hyphae).

Mucormycosis is a rare but serious angio-invasive infection caused by ubiquitous fungi. The spores of these fungi can be inhaled and then infect the lungs, sinuses, or extend into brain tissue to cause mucormycosis in people who are immunocompromised. Mucoromyces has been found all over Earth with it mainly affecting those living on farms due to contact from animal dung containing high quantities of this fungus type as well as compost piles where fresh manure falls leaves cover vegetable gardening beds that may have fallen nearby leading most cases occurring near woodland areas such before dorms at college campuses were previously thought responsible for respiratory infections since they might contain bacteria like tuberculosis which also needs oxygenated.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis, aspergillosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease and are associated with a high risk of serious illness. India has recently seen an increase in cases that present this way when compared to other countries where these types of fungus thrive. Prevention needs to focus on making sure people who suffer from Covid-19 maintain better glycemic control so they do not develop any fungal infection like Mucoromyces Cerealis (a subtype found more often outside India) which can cause pneumonia if untreated or brain damage if left too long without treatment because it is resistant both systemic corticosteroids/other.

Mucormycosis, an invasive fungal infection that can lead to death, has been reported in patients with severe COVID-19. The Indian government recently noted a surge of cases and the spread of this dangerous condition is attributed largely to poor glycemic control among those living with the disease or recovering from it.

Fungal infections, including mucormycosis and invasive candidiasis, have been reported in patients with severe COVID-19 or those recovering from the disease. India has seen an uptick of cases due to fungal infection caused by COVID-19 along with a surge in people who are severely affected because they were not diagnosed early on while fighting off the virus. Prevention for this type of fungus is increased monitoring when trying to apply systemic corticosteroids/other immunomodulating drugs on these patients just as much as it would be if there was no sign that someone had ARDS (acute respiratory distress syndrome).

Mucormycosis is not contagious and does not spread by contact from person to person. This fungus has been found in the environment, but transmission occurs through inhalation or ingestion of spores from the environment. Although most cases are sporadic, healthcare-associated outbreaks have occurred after the use of adhesive bandages made out wood tongue depressors as well as linens with lackadaisical hygiene standards at hospitals that result in fungal exposure on surfaces like walls and floors which can lead to airborne infection if those areas aren't properly cleaned up soon enough. Mucormicosis primarily affects sinuses or lungs after inhaling spores from air when it's breathed directly into them.

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Stress Management and Wellness in India: A Preventive Healthcare Perspective

Stress has become one of the most widespread health concerns in India. Rapid urbanisation, long commutes, professional competition, changing family dynamics and constant digital engagement have significantly increased stress levels across all age groups. While short-term stress is natural, chronic stress disrupts physical, mental and emotional wellbeing.

SecondMedic integrates scientific stress assessment, lifestyle guidance, and AI-driven wellness tools to help individuals manage stress effectively. This blog explores the state of stress in India, its impact, and evidence-based approaches to long-term stress resilience.

Rising Stress Levels in India

Studies from NITI Aayog’s Mental Health and Wellness Report indicate rising stress among professionals, students and homemakers.
Common triggers include:

High workload
Digital burnout
Sleep disturbances
Financial pressure
Academic expectations
Urban living conditions

The ICMR Stress & Health Review notes that chronic stress contributes significantly to metabolic disorders, mental health conditions, cardiovascular issues and immune system suppression.

How Stress Affects the Body

Stress activates the body’s “fight-or-flight” response, releasing cortisol and adrenaline. Long-term elevation leads to:

1. Hormonal Imbalance

Cortisol disrupts thyroid function, reproductive hormones and insulin sensitivity.

2. Weakened Immunity

Chronic stress reduces white blood cell activity.

3. Cardiovascular Strain

Sustained stress increases blood pressure and heart disease risk.

4. Metabolic Disorders

Links exist between chronic stress, weight gain, diabetes and fatty liver.

5. Mental Health Impact

Anxiety, irritability, burnout and depression become more common.

Effective Stress Management Approaches in India

1. Mindfulness and Meditation

Practices like pranayama, guided breathing and meditation reduce cortisol and improve emotional stability.
WHO endorses mindfulness-based interventions as effective stress reduction tools.

2. Physical Activity

Exercise releases endorphins, reduces inflammation and supports better sleep.
Recommended activities include:

Walking
Yoga
Strength training
Aerobic routines

3. Nutrition for Stress Wellness

Nutrient-dense foods help stabilise blood sugar and mood.
Dietitians recommend:

Whole grains
Leafy vegetables
Nuts and seeds
Omega-3 rich foods
Hydration

4. Digital Detox Practices

Scheduled screen breaks reduce eye strain, mental fatigue and cognitive overload.

5. Improved Sleep Hygiene

Poor sleep is closely tied to heightened stress.
SecondMedic’s guidance focuses on:

Consistent sleep timing
Limited caffeine intake
Reduced screen exposure at night

6. Professional Counselling

Therapy supports coping mechanisms and emotional resilience.

Digital Wellness Tools Enhancing Stress Care

Digital tools offer continuous monitoring and personalised wellness support.

Wearables

Track heart rate, sleep patterns and stress indicators such as HRV (heart rate variability).

AI Scoring

AI analyses daily patterns to predict stress surges.

Virtual Coaching

Remote experts offer guidance for lifestyle, nutrition, physical activity and emotional wellbeing.

SecondMedic integrates these tools for a holistic, preventive health ecosystem.

Example of a Daily Stress Management Routine

Morning:
• Deep breathing (5 minutes)
• Light stretching or yoga
• Hydrating herbal tea

Afternoon:
• Balanced meal
• 10-minute walk
• Short mindfulness pause

Evening:
• Digital detox
• Sleep by 10:30 PM

Conclusion

Stress management and wellness in India require a balanced approach combining lifestyle habits, nutrition, physical activity, mindfulness and preventive care. With the integration of AI-driven insights and expert support, SecondMedic empowers individuals to build resilience, reduce stress and improve long-term wellbeing.

References

• ICMR Stress & Metabolic Health Review
• National Family Health Survey (NFHS-5) - Lifestyle & Wellness Indicators
• NITI Aayog Mental Health & Preventive Wellness Report
• WHO Stress Management & Mental Wellbeing Guidelines
• Lancet Psychiatry - Stress, Inflammation & Disease Progression
• Statista India Digital Wellness & Screen-Time Report
• EY-FICCI Preventive Health & Lifestyle Behaviour Study

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