prevention from eye flu - #13528
I am really worried about this thing called eye flu. A couple of days ago, my kid came home from school complaining about itchy, red eyes, and believe it or not, a few other kids in their class got the same symptoms. The school nurse mentioned something about eye flu and how it's super contagious. Now I'm starting to freak out a bit because I don’t want to catch it! I mean, what are the real prevention from eye flu measures I can take? I read somewhere that using hand sanitizer and washing hands often can help, but does that really work? My friend told me to avoid sharing towels and to be careful with how we touch our eyes. I just want to know, are there any specific prevention from eye flu tips y’all can share? And should I be concerned if I already kinda had itchy eyes once? It might just be allergies, but now I'm second-guessing everything. Ugh! I just want my family to be safe and healthy, seriously, what’s the best way to manage this whole eye flu situation?
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
Eye flu, often referred to as conjunctivitis or pink eye, can be quite contagious and does spread easily in environments like schools where children are in close contact. Prevention primarily hinges on maintaining good hygiene practices. Consistent handwashing with soap and water is indeed effective; make sure your kid washes their hands regularly, especially before touching their face. Using hand sanitizer can be a good alternative when soap and water aren’t readily available. Avoid touching or rubbing the eyes, as this can introduce or spread the virus or bacteria causing the infection. Sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, or even pillowcases should be avoided, as these can carry the infection from one person to another. If you or anyone in your family is already experiencing symptoms like redness, itching, or tearing in the eyes, it’s wise to use separate towels and linens, and wash hands frequently to avoid spreading it further. If symptoms develop or worsen, particularly if there’s severe pain, sensitivity to light, or significant vision changes, seeking medical attention would be prudent. While allergies and infections can cause similar symptoms, a healthcare professional can help distinguish between them and provide appropriate treatment if necessary. Additionally, keep commonly touched surfaces clean and disinfected at home to reduce the risk of the infection spreading. Enhancing your kid’s immune system through a healthy diet and adequate rest can also serve as a general preventative measure. Keeping the infected person from close contact with others at school or home until symptoms subside will reduce the risk of spreading it.
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.