Page 42 - Covid 12 July 2021

PGIMER, in collaboration with Panjab University, releases infographic
booklet on COVID-19-associated mucormycosis
Mucormycosis is a critical condition caused by a group of molds known as mucormycetes. These fungi can be found in the environment, but they thrive in soil and decaying organic materials like leaves, compost piles, and rotten wood. It affects people who have health issues that impair and reduce their ability to combat pathogens in the environment. They include immune-compromised individuals with uncontrolled diabetes mellitus, neutropenia and in people who have taken immunosuppressant for the treatment of blood cancer, hematopoietic stem cell transplantation, etc. The infection is not contagious and cannot be passed from one person to another, but if left uncared, it could be fatal.
Mucormycosis can also complicate the case of
severe COVID-19 infection. The COVID-19
pandemic is still a major public health issue around
the world and now its wide range of symptoms
and complications have also emerged. One of these complications is fungal infection such as mucormycosis. Patients who have been treated for COVID-19, who have taken excessive steroids and who are diabetic are more susceptibile to mucormycosis. Clinical manifestations of mucormycosis can vary based on anatomical sites such as nasal blockage, discharge from the nose, pain or swelling on one side of the face, chest pain, cutaneous involvement, abdominal pain with nausea and vomiting, etc.
This pictorial booklet aims to create awareness by providing education and knowledge on COVID-19 and its complications such as mucormycosis in simple, easy to understand language. Its purpose is to enhance the self-care measures in persons who are suspected or confirmed COVID-19 to protect themselves against mucormycosis.
Contact info:
khaiwal.ravindra@pgimer.edu.in, sumanmor@pu.ac.in
Website link:
https://6c7e24ae-fb40-4331-a67d-c876b179abc8.filesusr.com/ugd/ bce95d_8e2ee155d34d4be99825e997c80f03bb.pdf
MoHFW releases operational guidance for COVID-19 vaccination of
pregnant women
COVID-19 infection during pregnancy may result in rapid deterioration of the health of pregnant women and could also affect the foetus. According to experts, the benefits of vaccination to pregnant women outweigh its potential risks. Based on the recommendations from National Technical Advisory Group on Immunization (NTAGI), MoHFW has approved the vaccination of pregnant women against COVID-19 with the condition that they are informed about the risks of exposure to COVID-19 infection along with the risks and benefits associated with the vaccines. Based on this information, a pregnant woman will have the choice to take the vaccination.
VOL. IV ISSUE 6
VIGYAN PRASAR 38
NATION’S S&T EFFORTS AGAINST COVID-19