AskDocDoc
FREE!Ask Doctors — 24/7
Connect with Doctors 24/7. Ask anything, get expert help today.
500 doctors ONLINE
#1 Medical Platform
Ask question for free
00H : 15M : 13S
background image
Click Here
background image
Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #13185
266 days ago
313

other name of eye flu

Diya

I am really worried about this weird eye thing that’s been going on with me lately. I noticed my eyes feeling super itchy and watering like crazy, and then they got all red and puffy. I thought it was just allergies at first but then I heard about something called conjunctivitis, which I guess is another name of eye flu?? Anyway, I’ve been using some over-the-counter eye drops thinking they’d clear it up but honestly, it seems to be getting worse. I tried looking up the other name of eye flu and got confused because there's like a million terms. Some sources say pink eye, others say viral conjunctivitis and I’m just lost! I really hope I’m not infecting anyone, especially since my kid just got sick too. Can someone explain more about the other name of eye flu and what I should do? Should I see a doctor, or do I wait it out? What even causes this?? I mean, it’s super frustrating trying to figure this out on my own. Please help!

FREE
Question is closed
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential.
No sign-up needed.
CTA image asteriksCTA image

Doctors' responses

Eye flu is often referred to as conjunctivitis, which indeed has various forms including viral, bacterial, and allergic conjunctivitis. You’ve also encountered the term “pink eye," a commonly used layman’s term for it. Viral conjunctivitis, which is frequently caused by adenoviruses, is what most people think of as “eye flu,” and it’s quite contagious. The symptoms you’re describing, like red, itchy, and watery eyes, and the fact it’s getting worse might suggest a viral infection, especially if it’s associated with recent upper respiratory symptoms in your household, like a cold or flu. It’s crucial to avoid spreading it further; you should wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels or pillows.

If over-the-counter drops aren’t helping, you may need to see a healthcare provider. They will assess if you actually have viral conjunctivitis, or something else entirely. Bacterial conjunctivitis is another possibility, and it can require antibiotic eye drops, whereas viral infections don’t respond to antibiotics and are usually left to run their course with supportive care. Allergic conjunctivitis would respond better to antihistamines. If you’re uncertain or it’s impacting your daily life significantly, it is advisable to visit your doctor for a precise diagnosis and tailored treatment. Ensure you inform them about your child’s illness, as this can impact the diagnostic process and ensure appropriate precautions for preventing further spread.

20940 answered questions
91% best answers
Accepted response

0 replies
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7,
100% Anonymously

Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.

About our doctors

Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.


What to do for dark circles under my eyes that look like they are painted black after 6 years?
What to do for eye strain and irritation after using my phone?
What to do for eye strain and irritation from phone screen use?
What to do for a soft swelling inside my eyelid that hasn't healed?
What to do for eye strain and irritation from phone screen use?
What should I do if my eyes bleed after intense crying?
Suggestions for Multivitamins to Improve Eye Health
What causes sudden orange hue in vision and what can I do about it?
Irritating Eyelid Twitching and Blinking
What causes white flakes on eyelids and eyelashes with itching for 2-3 years?
What causes white flakes on my eyelids and eyelashes that keep coming back after cleaning?
How to reduce inflation of eye squient
What to do if I feel cross-eyed when wearing new glasses after my prescription changed from 1-2 to 3-4?
Eye twitching from last two months.
Meri ankh peli peli si ho gyi h
Dark Spot in My Right Eye - What Should I Do?
How to get rid of red, itchy & small eyes
Why eyes are fluppy at the morning
Eye problm in right eye intermediate uvities
Boil in left eye not painful from more than a month
What should I do for persistent redness and itching in my right eye every summer?
What causes my sister's eye prescription to keep increasing and how can we prevent it?
What is the best way to check for eye alignment issues like squint online?
What can I do if my vision has become much darker?
What to do if my forehead hurts when I look up without moving my head?
What is causing my blurry vision when reading?
What is causing my blurry vision and inability to focus on text while wearing glasses?
What to do for forehead pain when looking up without moving my head?
What education and daily life is like for an optometrist?
What is causing my blurry vision and difficulty focusing while reading with glasses?