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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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Kindness Week – Recognize Employees Going the Extra Mile

In today’s fast-paced corporate world, deadlines, targets and performance metrics often dominate workplace conversations. However, one powerful factor that consistently drives employee satisfaction and productivity is kindness.

Kindness Week is a meaningful initiative designed to celebrate employees who go beyond their defined roles, support their colleagues and contribute positively to workplace culture. Recognizing those who consistently go the extra mile not only boosts morale but also strengthens organizational values.

Why Kindness Matters in the Workplace

Kindness in professional settings includes:

Offering help without being asked
Supporting team members during stressful periods
Maintaining respectful communication
Appreciating others’ contributions
Showing empathy during challenges

These small actions significantly influence employee wellbeing and workplace harmony.

Research in organizational psychology indicates that workplaces with higher levels of appreciation and positive reinforcement experience:

Better employee engagement
Lower stress levels
Higher productivity
Improved retention rates

The Purpose of Kindness Week

Kindness Week serves multiple objectives:

1. Encourage Positive Behavior

By highlighting positive actions, organizations reinforce desirable behaviors.

2. Promote Appreciation

Employees feel valued when their efforts are acknowledged publicly.

3. Strengthen Team Bonds

Recognition fosters collaboration and trust.

4. Improve Workplace Morale

Celebrating contributions creates a supportive environment.

Benefits of Recognizing Employees Who Go the Extra Mile

Boosted Motivation

When employees know their efforts are noticed, they are more motivated to maintain high performance.

Increased Engagement

Recognition creates emotional connection with the organization.

Better Mental Wellbeing

Feeling appreciated reduces stress and burnout.

Enhanced Organizational Reputation

A positive work culture attracts talent and strengthens employer branding.

How to Celebrate Kindness Week

1. Employee Appreciation Awards

Create categories such as:

Kindness Champion
Team Support Star
Helping Hand Award
Positive Attitude Leader

Keep criteria transparent and inclusive.

2. Gratitude Wall

Encourage employees to post thank-you notes recognizing colleagues’ contributions.

This creates visible appreciation within the organization.

3. Leadership Acknowledgment

Managers and senior leaders can personally recognize employees during team meetings.

Direct appreciation from leadership increases impact.

4. Team Lunch or Wellness Event

Organize:

Welcome lunches
Healthy snack days
Mindfulness sessions
Team-building activities

Combining kindness with wellness initiatives reinforces healthy workplace culture.

5. Random Acts of Kindness Challenge

Encourage employees to perform small acts such as:

Mentoring a junior colleague
Helping with workload
Writing appreciation emails
Sharing learning resources

Recognize participation at week’s end.

Kindness and Employee Retention

Studies consistently show that employees who feel recognized are more likely to remain loyal to their organizations.

Recognition contributes to:

Reduced turnover
Improved job satisfaction
Stronger commitment
Positive organizational citizenship behavior

Kindness Week may seem simple, but its long-term cultural impact can be significant.

Promoting Inclusivity During Kindness Week

Ensure recognition initiatives:

Avoid favoritism
Include all departments
Value non-managerial roles equally
Recognize behind-the-scenes contributions

Inclusivity strengthens fairness and trust.

Measuring the Impact

Organizations can assess the success of Kindness Week by tracking:

Employee feedback surveys
Participation rates
Team engagement metrics
Retention trends

Continuous appreciation initiatives beyond one week create sustainable results.

Building a Culture Beyond One Week

Kindness should not be limited to a single event. Companies can maintain momentum by:

Monthly recognition programs
Peer-to-peer appreciation platforms
Wellness check-ins
Leadership mentoring initiatives

Embedding appreciation into daily operations ensures lasting cultural transformation.

The Indian Corporate Context

In India’s rapidly growing corporate landscape, workplace stress and competition are increasing. Initiatives like Kindness Week support mental wellbeing, collaboration and emotional resilience.

Organizations prioritizing empathy and recognition often witness stronger teamwork and healthier work environments.

Conclusion

Kindness Week is more than a celebration — it is a strategic initiative to recognize employees who go the extra mile and foster a culture of appreciation. By encouraging empathy, gratitude and recognition, organizations create an environment where employees feel valued and motivated.

Simple acts of appreciation can lead to stronger teams, improved morale and long-term success. Recognizing kindness today builds a more collaborative and positive workplace for tomorrow.

References

Society for Human Resource Management – Employee Recognition Studies
Indian Journal of Occupational Health – Workplace Wellbeing Research
Harvard Business Review – Impact of Appreciation on Productivity
World Health Organization – Healthy Workplace Framework
National Institute of Mental Health – Workplace Mental Health Insights

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