sign and symptoms of eye flu - #14429
I am noticing some really strange issues with my eyes lately, and it’s got me worried! For a week now, I've had watery eyes plus this annoying redness that doesn’t seem to go away. I thought maybe it was just allergies at first, you know? But then I read about the sign and symptoms of eye flu and it kinda sounds like what I've been dealing with! There’s this constant burning sensation too – it’s like my eyes are irritated nonstop! I went to the pharmacy and picked up some antihistamines, but they don’t seem to help much. My friend told me to watch out for other sign and symptoms of eye flu like discharge or blurred vision, and honestly, I don’t want this to get any worse. What else should I be looking for? I’m concerned it could be something more serious, especially with the season changing, and I totally hate feeling like I’m out of control over my own health. Do you think this sounds like it could be eye flu or just bad allergies? How do you even tell them apart? I've never had anything like this before, and it’s making me feel super anxious! Just need some clarity on the sign and symptoms of eye flu before I freak out!
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Doctors’ responses
From what you’re describing, it’s understandable to be concerned about this persistent irritation and redness in your eyes. Eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis, usually presents with several characteristic symptoms such as redness, tearing, and a gritty feeling in the eyes. A clear or white discharge might be present, and you may also experience some crusting on your eyelashes, particularly in the morning. People often report a burning or tearing sensation, and sometimes blurred vision which you’ve mentioned. It generally affects one eye first but can easily spread to the other. Distinguishing this from allergies can be a bit tricky, but some clues can help. Allergies tend to cause itching, and are often accompanied by sneezing, antahiastimes, or seasonal triggers. Viral conjunctivitis is more likely to spread between close contacts, as it’s highly contagious. If your symptoms persist or worsen, especially if you start to notice increased pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or if you can’t open your eyes comfortably, it’s crucial to see a doctor immediately as it might indicate a more severe infection or condition needing urgent treatment. Meanwhile, to manage your symptoms and prevent spreading, avoid touching your eyes, wash your hands frequently, and use fresh towels and pillowcases. Artificial tears can also help soothe your eyes, but steer clear of sharing eye medications and cosmetics. Prioritize seeing a healthcare provider if you’ve got any doubt about the severity or cause of your symptoms. Taking this step will ensure you receive the correct treatment and prevent complications.
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