New Delhi: The AIIMS Chief Dr Randeep Guleria said that patients recovering from Covid – 19    can’t get rid of that persistent headache or that swelling on one side of the face, immediately approach a doctor and get tested for Black Fungus.

If you find discolouration in the mouth and decreased sensations in any part of the face immediately approach a doctor, he said. If you find these symptoms you consult your doctor immediately, said Guleria.

The symptoms are your nose is getting blocked and there is thrusting; those are early signs that you should start worrying. If there is loosening of a tooth, then, too, you should immediately consult your doctor.

More cases of Black Fungus were being reported in India, despite it not being contagious, because of a large diabetic population and the unrestricted use and sale of steroids. Mucormycosis cases came up in the first wave, too, he said, although the number is greater during the second wave due to the excessive use of steroids, said Dr Guleria.

All age groups and even non-Covid – 19 patients can contract Black Fungus, he said. However, those above 40, who are also diabetic, are more prone. Children are at lesser risk only because a majority of children only have mild Covid – 19 infections that do not require the use of steroids.

According to the Health Ministry sources, Black Fungus cases also causes blurred or double vision, chest pain and breathing difficulties, have surged in India, mostly among Covid – 19 patients, with at least 7,250 such cases have been found across the country as of May 19.