how many days it takes to recover from eye flu - #15745
I am really worried about this eye flu thing going around. My son caught it from a friend at school last week. He started waking up with watery eyes and crusty stuff on his eyelids. The doctor said it's viral conjunctivitis and it’s contagious but he didn’t give me a straight answer on how long this will last. I am trying to figure out how many days it takes to recover from eye flu. I mean, he’s been home from school for about four days now, and I’m noticing some improvement, but it's still kind of red and he keeps complaining about itchiness. I read somewhere that some cases can last for about one to two weeks? Seriously, how many days it takes to recover from eye flu, like when can I expect him to be back to normal? I don’t want him missing school longer than he has to—he’s starting to get bored at home. Anyone else gone through this? How many days it takes to recover from eye flu in your experience? I’m just feeling kinda lost here in this whole situation. Please share any tips or advice if you can!
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Doctors’ responses
Viral conjunctivitis, often referred to as “eye flu,” typically lasts about 7 to 14 days. It’s pretty common for symptoms to start improving after the first few days, but it’s not unusual for some redness and itchiness to persist throughout the duration. The time it takes to recover completely can vary based on the specific virus causing the infection and individual immune responses. While there’s no specific antiviral treatment for viral conjunctivitis, the focus is on symptom relief and preventing the spread. Since it’s highly contagious, especially in the early days when the symptoms are most prominent, it’s important to maintain good hygiene. Encourage your son to wash his hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing his eyes, as this can worsen symptoms and increase the risk of spreading the virus. Use separate towels and washcloths for him and wash them regularly. Applying a clean, warm compress to his eyes can help with discomfort and crusting. If he’s still feeling itchy, over-the-counter artificial tears can provide some relief by washing out irritants from the eyes. It’s advisable to keep him home from school until the discharge has ceased to reduce the risk of transmission to others. If symptoms worsen, last beyond two weeks, or if he experiences vision changes, increased pain, or significant sensitivity to light, it would be prudent to follow up with a healthcare provider, as these might indicate more serious underlying issues. Since boredom can be challenging for children, engaging in quiet activities like reading or puzzles could help keep him occupied. If transportation is a concern, virtual consultations may be an option if you need further guidance without immediate access to in-office visits.
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