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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #15380
45 days ago
88

precaution of eye flu - #15380

Rudra

I am really worried about this whole eye flu situation! Last week, my friend came over, and she mentioned her daughter had been diagnosed with eye flu. I thought it was just pink eye but then I looked it up, and I feel like I went down this rabbit hole of panic! Anyway, now every time I feel a little itch in my eyes, I freak out and think maybe I will get it too! I’ve been trying to figure out what are the best precaution of eye flu methods I can take. Like, should I avoid touching my eyes at all costs or is washing my hands enough? I heard that keeping my environment clean helps—would using hand sanitizer frequently count as a good precaution of eye flu? And do I need to keep my distance from people who have been around anyone with eye flu? The other night I thought about wearing sunglasses even inside to protect my eyes, but I’m not sure if that’s overkill? And what about common things like sharing makeup or using the same towels, do I really need to throw those out? I just don’t wanna catch it, ya know? What precaution of eye flu should I really take to keep myself safe, and how long do I need to be cautious? Any insights would be super helpful!

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Doctors’ responses

If you’re concerned about eye flu, which is commonly known as viral conjunctivitis, there are several practical precautions to minimize your risk of infection. First off, regular and thorough hand washing is one of the most effective measures you can take. Use soap and water, scrubbing for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching your face, eyes or after being in public places. Although hand sanitizers can be helpful, they are not a substitute for washing with soap and water. Refrain from touching your face and eyes, unless your hands are clean. Now, concerning distance, while it’s beneficial to keep some space from those who have active symptoms of an eye infection, complete isolation isn’t typically necessary. The virus spreads easily through direct contact, so avoid sharing personal items like towels, washcloths, and makeup tools, as they can harbor infectious particles. It’s a good idea to wash these items with hot water and regular detergent. Don’t rush to throw them out; thorough washing is usually sufficient. Regarding sunglasses—inside, that’s probably more of a comfort than a necessity unless you’re experiencing sensitivity to light. They won’t prevent transmission since the virus isn’t transmitted airborne but mainly through direct contact with infected fluids. Finally, try to maintain a hygienic environment by cleaning frequently touched surfaces, like doorknobs and keyboards, with appropriate disinfectants. Continue these precautions for at least a couple of weeks since viral eye infections are most contagious in the first few days after symptoms appear, but the virus can linger longer. Should you start noticing symptoms like redness, irritation, or discharge, consult a healthcare professional for further evaluation and advice.

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