does eye flu happen in one eye - #15686
I am really confused about something that's been happening with my eye. A few days ago, I noticed that my right eye was really red and itchy, like super itchy, but my left eye was totally fine. I didn’t think much of it at first, but then I started feeling this weird discomfort around my right eye, like it was swollen or something. I googled a bit and came across this term eye flu, but like, does eye flu happen in one eye? I thought it was supposed to be both, right? I didn’t have any discharge, but my right eye was just watering like crazy, and I was worried it was something worse. My friend said it might be a conjunctivitis and that eye flu is contagious, which freaked me out even more because I have a baby at home. I also have been using some over-the-counter drops, but they don’t seem to help much. Is it even possible to have eye flu limited to one eye? Should I see a doc or just wait it out? I mean, it’s not unbearable, but I can’t help but wonder if something serious is going on. Any ideas? Does eye flu happen in one eye or do I need to consider other causes? Ugh, I’m just stressed about it!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors’ responses
It’s actually quite possible for eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis, to start in one eye. Often, an infection may initially affect just one eye before spreading to the other due to cross-contamination. Your symptoms—redness, itchiness, and excessive watering—are consistent with viral conjunctivitis, which is commonly referred to as “eye flu.” It doesn’t always lead to discharge, particularly in the early stages or milder cases. Please do bear in mind, this condition is indeed contagious, so keeping good hygiene is essential to prevent it from spreading, particularly since you have a baby at home. Wash your hands frequently and try to avoid touching your eyes. Use individual towels and pillowcases, and regularly wash them to reduce infection risk.
If the condition doesn’t improve in a few days or if it worsens, consulting with a healthcare provider would be wise. They can confirm the diagnosis and ensure there’s no more serious underlying issue, such as bacterial conjunctivitis or an allergy, that might need different management. Over-the-counter eye drops often aid in symptom relief, though not all drops work for everyone. Lubricating drops can often help soothe discomfort. If the drops you used haven’t been helpful, you might want to try a different brand or formulation, but avoid using multiple types within a short period as this can sometimes worsen irritation.
If there’s any vision change or severe pain, you should see a doctor more urgently, as these could be signs of something more serious. Avoid contact lenses, if you use them, until the symptoms have completely resolved. While this issue can stress you out, taking these steps can help manage the situation effectively. If you’re still worried, especially with a little one around, a quick trip to the doctor can offer peace of mind and ensure you’re handling this properly.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.