AskDocDoc
/
/
/
how to take precautions for eye flu
FREE! Ask a Doctor — 24/7, 100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime. No sign-up needed.
Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #14019
7 days ago
25

how to take precautions for eye flu - #14019

Aditi

I am freaking out a bit here because my kid just came home from school saying a few friends have been diagnosed with eye flu. Like, what are the chances, right? I mean, he hasn’t shown any symptoms yet, but being a parent, I can't help but worry. I've read a little about eye flu and how contagious it is. I guess I’m just looking for advice on how to take precautions for eye flu. We've started washing our hands more often and I told him to avoid touching his face. But what else should we do? Should we be disinfecting everything in the house? I mean is wiping down doorknobs and light switches enough, or should I go on a cleaning frenzy? Also, what are the symptoms we should look out for? I read that things like redness, itchiness, and discharge can happen, but I’m just not sure. Do you really think it’s that contagious? I don’t want to panic, but at the same time, being proactive sounds like the way to go. Any tips on how to take precautions for eye flu would be really helpful! I just need to make sure he stays healthy and we avoid this whole mess, you know?

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

It’s understandable to be concerned when you hear about an outbreak of something like eye flu, which is actually a quite contagious viral conjunctivitis. The good news is, there are clear steps you can take to help prevent it. You’ve already started well with frequent handwashing and advising your kiddo not to touch his face. Definitely keep that up. Additionally, avoid sharing towels, washcloths, or pillows with anyone who might be infected, as this is one of the most common ways it spreads. As for household cleaning, focusing on high-touch areas like doorknobs, light switches, and electronics with disinfectant is sensible, but there’s no need to go overboard. Regular habits should suffice unless someone in the house becomes symptomatic. Teaching your child about the importance of not rubbing their eyes is also crucial since it can spread the infection to the other eye. In terms of symptoms, besides redness, itchiness, and discharge, keep an eye out for excessive tearing or a feeling like there’s something gritty or foreign in the eye. If you notice any of these, it’s smart to consult with a healthcare provider to confirm a diagnosis and discuss treatment options. They might advise a cool compress to soothe irritation or prescribe specific eye drops if needed. While highly contagious, eye flu is generally more of a nuisance than a severe health threat, typically resolving in one to two weeks without specific treatment. It’s solid to focus on prevention and being alert to any early signs, but there’s generally no need to panic if you’re taking these reasonable precautions.

4482 answered questions
66% 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.


Related questions