White Fungus : New threat after Black Fungus

We were already afraid of black fungus during COVID-19

Now we are getting cases of white fungus as well.

So what is white fungus ?

Candida albicans is a fungal yeast, when it grows and makes a lesion in your mouth it turns the affected area white.This is why we call it white fungus.



Candida is an opportunistic fungus or yeast which grows when you lack local or systemic immunity.

Candida albicans can affect your mouth, lungs ,your larynx and trachea, esophagus,
and sometimes affect other organs through blood.It can affect your skin and nails.Patients of diabetes are at risk during COVID-19.

Symptoms of Yellow Fungus Infection.

Nasal congestion.

Numbness of body parts.

loss of appetite

Body aches and pains.

Feeling lethargic or tired. 

Extreme weakness in the body. 

Consistent weight loss. 

Blurred vision in the eyes. 

We prescribe immune modulators, steroids and local inhalers for COVID-19 patients because of these the local immunity of the throat and larynx gets affected.The patient's systemic immunity is also at risk and the patient is prone to secondary or opportunistic infection.


We have seen the use of steroid based inhaler for treatment of COVID-19 but COVID-19 patients are using the inhalers without knowing how to use it.Inhalers should be used in a specific way best results
Inhalers are for the lungs.Most importantly, the inhalers we use have steroids,it affects the immunity of the mouth.

If steroids reach your lungs and larynx it can form a deposit on the larynx called laryngeal candida

What precautions can we take against white fungus?

First, do not start systemic steroids without consulting a doctor

Secondly, rinse mouth properly after using inhaler

Thirdly if we are on external oxygen support and using oxygen cylinders or using an oxygen concentrator and humidifier,use distilled water instead of normal tap water in the  humidifier

Try using oxygen cylinders sparingly

Use external oxygen only if your SPO2 levels are below 90, not before that.


You do not need external oxygen if your levels are above 90.Instead lie down in prone position, take steam and use nasal drops if needed.

If white fungus affects the mouth, we can apply a mouth paint to treat it.If it is systemic or has spread  , we use systemic anti fungal agent for treatment.

Rarely candida albicans reaches lungs to cause candida pneumonia
Candida pneumonia has non specific findings and mimics simple pneumonia

CT scan also shows us non specific findings to not worry about white fungus, take precautions.

Do not take unsupervised high doses of steroids.
If you are diabetic and have contracted the virus, keep your sugar levels in check.
Do not take any medication without consulting a doctor

If you are on oxygen support, remember  to use distilled water in the humidifier and not tap water

This disease is extremely rare, so there's no need to worry.  You will be fine.