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how to know if you have eye flu
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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #14869
45 days ago
70

how to know if you have eye flu - #14869

Kiaan

I am pretty freaked out right now because I think I might have gotten this thing everyone’s talking about, eye flu. It started a few days ago when my eyes began feeling super itchy, and now I notice they're red and watery all the time. I can’t concentrate at work, and it’s just getting worse. I share an office with a few coworkers who had seemed sick lately, and I can’t help but wonder if that’s where I caught it. I googled stuff like how to know if you have eye flu, and now I'm paranoid! I mean, are there any specific symptoms to look out for? Like, I don’t have a fever or anything, but my eyes feel really sensitive to light, and I keep blinking more than usual. Is that normal? I've also heard people say they have discharge when they have eye flu, but mine haven't seemed that bad... just a bit of crust in the morning. Do you guys think this is eye flu? How to know if you have eye flu if there’s no discharge? Should I go see an eye doctor, or can I just wait it out? I really don’t want to be that person at work bringing more germs in, you know? If anyone has tips on how to know if you have eye flu or how to get rid of it, that would be awesome!

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Doctors’ responses

Eye flu, commonly known as viral conjunctivitis, is indeed a possibility given your symptoms. Redness, itching, and watering of the eyes can be characteristic signs, along with eye discharge that might form a crust overnight. The sensitivity to light and frequent blinking are also consistent with conjunctivitis, particularly if other individuals around you have been ill, suggesting a contagious cause. However, the absence of significant discharge doesn’t necessarily rule it out, as some cases exhibit minimal or mild discharge, more noticeable in the morning. About whether to see a doctor, while many cases of viral conjunctivitis can be managed at home with proper hygiene and supportive care, it’s crucial to ensure that what you have isn’t bacterial conjunctivitis, which might require antibiotic treatment, or another eye condition that could be worsened without professional evaluation. A visit to an eye doctor can help confirm the diagnosis and guide appropriate management. Meanwhile, practice regular hand washing, avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, and do not share personal items like towels. While at work, consider discussing remote work options if your symptoms are heavy. The infection is typically self-limiting, resolving within one to two weeks. If symptoms worsen or you experience significant pain, vision changes, or the discharge becomes purulent, it’s advisable to seek medical care sooner.

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