can eye flu spread by eye contact - #16113
I am really worried because my friend just got diagnosed with pink eye and we were hanging out like last week. I mean, we were super close, and I didn't really think about it at the time. Now I'm sitting here wondering, can eye flu spread by eye contact? Like, does it actually work that way? I started having this irritation in my right eye a couple days ago, not too bad but definitely noticeable, and I'm freaking out thinking I might get it too! I’ve washed my hands so much since I found out but I’ve also been touching my face a lot. And honestly, the thought of having to deal with pink eye freaks me out ’cause I heard it can be super annoying and contagious. I keep trying to remember if I did anything like share a drink or touch my eyes around them, but it’s all a blur. I just wanna know, can eye flu spread by eye contact or are there other ways it could be passed along? Like, how careful should I be right now? Should I get checked out or just wait? Any thoughts would help a ton!
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Doctors’ responses
Eye flu, often referred to as conjunctivitis or pink eye, doesn’t spread through eye contact in the literal sense. The main way it transmits is through contact with infectious discharge from an infected person’s eye—so this means if you touch your own eyes, nose, or mouth after contact with surfaces or items that have viral or bacterial particles on them (like door handles, towels or makeup), you may put yourself at risk. Being in close proximity to an infected person could potentially expose you to infection, especially if there has been the exchange of respiratory droplets, as viral conjunctivitis, sometimes the result of adenovirus, can spread through respiratory secretions too. Your current eye irritation could be due to a number of reasons such as allergies, minor eye strain, or other non-contagious irritations. However, it’s understandable to feel cautious given your recent exposure to someone with diagnosed pink eye. It’s good that you’re washing your hands frequently; continue to avoid touching your face and avoid sharing personal items like towels and cosmetics. If your symptoms worsen or you notice eye redness, swelling, or excessive discharge, it might be wise to seek a medical opinion. Your doctor can help differentiate whether you have conjunctivitis and if so, determine the type which could be bacterial, viral, or allergic. If you develop significant discomfort or vision changes, don’t hesitate to seek immediate attention. Prevention through good hygiene and staying aware of your symptoms are key steps right now.
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