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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #15317
45 days ago
88

prevention for eye flu - #15317

Reyansh

I am seriously worried about this whole eye flu thing going around. My neighbor had it last week, and it looked really painful. Like, their eyes were all red and watery, and they couldn’t go to work! Now I feel like everyone I know is talking about eye flu. I've been reading up on it, but there’s just so much info out there. I keep asking myself what I can do for prevention for eye flu. Is washing hands enough, or do I need to wear those goofy-looking glasses when I’m around my kids? They play outside a lot and, of course, they touch everything. I talked to a friend who swore that using drops helped her avoid it last summer. But like, no one can really agree on anything! Should I be worried about things like shared glasses or just general touching? I want to protect my family, but I also don't want to go overboard and make them freak out. Are there specific prevention for eye flu tips that really work? Any advice would be super helpful right now, especially since my kids are always bouncing around like they own the place.

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Doctors’ responses

Sounds like your concerns about eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis, are quite valid considering how easily it spreads. The mainstay of prevention starts with good hygiene practices. Regular hand washing with soap and water is very effective and should ideally be done several times a day, especially after touching anything that might be contaminated. In areas where hand washing isn’t possible, using an alcohol-based hand sanitizer is a solid alternative. It’s also wise to avoid touching your face—particularly your eyes—to reduce the risk of transfer from hands. While you mentioned the idea of wearing glasses, it’s not absolutely necessary unless you are directly interacting with someone who has the infection and want an extra barrier. Paying attention to not sharing towels, pillowcases, or makeup can also reduce spread significantly. Educating your children on the importance of not rubbing their eyes and washing their hands often can be a vital step, especially since kids have such tactile habits. If one of your kids shows signs of conjunctivitis, keeping them home and away from communal activities might help prevent further spread. Your friend’s suggestion about eye drops should be approached with caution, as generally, those are more for symptom relief rather than prevention; using them without any signs might not be necessary. Remember that if you or any family members develop symptoms—redness, irritation, discharge—consulting a healthcare provider would be crucial to obtaining appropriate advice and treatment. Shared eyeglasses don’t pose much risk as long as surfaces are kept clean, so just ensure regular cleaning with an antibacterial wipe. This focus on practical hygiene practices should help keep your family safe without resorting to extremes.

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