HP panel issues protocol on steroid use by Covid patients

Blurb: Says unregulated use can cause black fungal infection

Tribune News Service

Shimla, May 11

Worried over the use of steroids without prescription by some Covid patients, the State Clinical Committee has issued a treatment protocol for the judicious use of steroids in Covid cases to prevent the incidence of mucormycosis (black fungal infection).

A Health official said steroids played a major role in preventing and mitigating the deleterious effect of Covid-19 among patients. “However there are several reports of fungal infection, particularly mucormycosis in Covid-19 patients. Himachal has, however, not reported any case of mucormycosis so far,” he said.

He said such infections were seen when steroids were used as self-medication by home isolated patients or when these were administered in higher doses for a long time. Keeping this fact in view, the state clinical committee has issued a treatment protocol for the judicious use of steroids by Covid patients.

“The state clinical committee has recommended that for those in home isolation, inhalable steroids like Budesonide may be taken via metered doses inhaler/dry powder inhalers at a dose of 800 mcg twice a day for five days,” he said.

He, however, cautioned that these should be taken only if fever or cough persists after five days of disease.