eye flu duration - #15798
I am really worried about this eye flu thing I’ve been dealing with. It started a few days ago, I thought it was just allergies because I’ve been sneezing a lot too, but then my eyes got super red and itchy. Like, really puffy, and now I feel like I look like a raccoon or something! I went to my regular doctor yesterday, and they said I probably have this eye flu and gave me some drops, but no one is saying anything about the eye flu duration! How long is this going to last?? I mean, no way I can keep going to work looking like this, plus my eyes hurt, and I can hardly see sometimes. I read online that the eye flu duration can vary, but how do I know if I’m in the worst part of it? Do doctors have any idea how long I should expect this to keep going? Is there like a typical eye flu duration where it gets better? I keep asking my friends who had it before, but they all seem to remember different things. I’m just a little freaked out since this is affecting everything, especially with all the staring at screens I have to do! Any info on what the usual eye flu duration looks like or what can help speed it up would really help me out!
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Doctors’ responses
When dealing with conjunctivitis, often referred to as “eye flu,” the duration typically depends on the underlying cause. If it’s viral conjunctivitis, which is common, symptoms generally last from about one to two weeks. Allergies can sometimes prolong the irritation, but viral infections usually improve on their own, even if they can be quite uncomfortable. The drops you’ve been given are likely to relieve symptoms, but it’s crucial to avoid touching your eyes and to maintain strict hygiene, like washing hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection. If bacterial conjunctivitis is present, which your doctor would determine by examination, antibiotics might be necessary, and the symptoms usually resolve faster, within just a few days. Since you mentioned sneezing and itching, there’s a chance allergies could be a contributing factor, potentially extending the discomfort a bit but not altering the core duration of the “eye flu.” If the redness or irritation worsens significantly, or if you notice severe pain or vision changes, seeking further medical advice would be important to rule out more severe conditions. Meanwhile, applying a cold compress intermittently can soothe some of the puffiness, and using artificial tears helps keep the eyes comfortable, particularly if screen time can’t be avoided. Allowing some time for full recovery, ensuring adequate rest, and perhaps even cutting back screen usage, if possible, can all be beneficial steps towards your recovery.
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