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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #14496
2 days ago
14

how to avoid eye flu - #14496

Ishita

I am really worried about something that’s been going around lately. My best friend just got diagnosed with eye flu, and I was hanging out with them a few days before that! I remember we were watching movies, sharing snacks, the whole deal. Now I keep thinking about how to avoid eye flu because I’ve heard it can spread like wildfire. I've been washing my hands nonstop and even avoiding touching my face, but what else can I do? Just yesterday I noticed my eyes felt kinda itchy, and my vision was just a bit blurry, and now I’m freaking out thinking maybe I already have something. Should I be using some kinda eye drops or is there something specific about how to avoid eye flu that I should know? Also, is it true that if someone gets eye flu, can it stick around for a long time? Like, I feel like I can’t be too careful here, especially with my job, where I need to look at screens all day. I’ve read a bunch of stuff online, but it’s all kinda confusing. Any advice from doctors about how to avoid eye flu would be super helpful because I really don’t want to end up like my friend.

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Doctors’ responses

Alright, first things first. Eye flu, commonly known as viral conjunctivitis, can indeed spread rapidly, mostly through direct or indirect contact with an infected person’s tears or secretions. You’ve already taken a critical step by washing your hands regularly. Keep it up, as it’s the most effective basic measure. Additionally, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, even if they feel itchy. This can prevent introducing any virus present on your hands into the eyes.

When it comes to things like sharing personal items—towels, pillows, or even cosmetics—try to avoid that until you’re sure you’re in the clear. It’s not just direct contact; indirect transmission from shared things can also happen. Don’t share eye drops or any eye care products either, as they can easily become contaminated.

Now, about using eye drops: unless you’re experiencing significant irritation, light redness, or discomfort, you might not need them yet. Artificial tears can provide some relief if your eyes are feeling dry or irritated, but be sure to not touch the tip of the dropper to your eye to prevent cross-contamination. If the symptoms worsen or persist for more than a couple of days, it may be worth a visit to a healthcare provider for further evaluation.

As for how long it sticks around, viral conjunctivitis typically resolves on its own in 1 to 2 weeks. However, it’s recommended to refrain from social interactions and close-contact activities during the first few days, as it’s when you’re most contagious. Lastly, keeping your work area sanitized and disinfecting your workstation regularly can help keep infections at bay. If your work involves screen use, ensure you take breaks to avoid strain, which might give the wrong impression of symptoms. If you’re still concerned about this or if symptoms evolve, don’t hesitate to reach out to a healthcare professional for guidance.

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