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Lung & Breathing Conditions
Question #16169
45 days ago
89

eye flue symptoms - #16169

Shlok

I am really freaking out here. A few days ago, my friend had this awful cold and now I think I'm getting sick too. I feel super tired and today I woke up with these weird eye flue symptoms. It's like my eyes are itchy and watery, and sometimes they burn for no reason. On top of that, there's this dull headache and I'm sneezing all the time! I swear I haven't had any major allergies since I was a kid. Does anyone know if all these eye flue symptoms could mean I’m getting a sinus infection or is it just part of the regular cold thing? It’s so frustrating! The other night I could barely sleep because of the discomfort. I've tried some over-the-counter meds but they don't seem to help much. Also, is there a timeframe for when I should see some improvement with these eye flue symptoms, or should I be looking to see a doc if this keeps up? Like, how do you even know when it’s serious? I really don’t want to feel like this for long — it's driving me crazy! Any advice or tips would really help me out!

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Doctors’ responses

The symptoms you’re describing sound like a mix of conjunctivitis (often called “pink eye”) and a possible viral upper respiratory infection, which is quite common. It’s not unusual for colds to cause watery, itchy eyes alongside symptoms like sneezing and headaches due to the congestion and irritation in your airways and sinuses. If your eyes are red and discharge is present, conjunctivitis—often caused by the same viruses responsible for colds—is a strong possibility. It’s generally self-limiting and should improve over the course of a week. Here’s what you can do: Start by avoiding rubbing your eyes as this can worsen the irritation and spread any infection. Use a clean, warm compress on your eyes to relieve discomfort and help remove any crusting. Over-the-counter antihistamine eye drops might also alleviate the itching and redness by counteracting histamine release. For the sneezing and headache, continue with decongestants and ensure you stay hydrated. Maintaining nasal passage humidity with a saline spray can also help. If symptoms persist beyond 7-10 days or worsen—especially if you experience severe pain, vision changes, or a fever over 101°F (38.3°C)—consult a healthcare professional. These could indicate a bacterial infection or sinusitis that might need medical treatment such as antibiotics or other interventions. Bear in mind any rapid spread of symptoms to others or worsening after initial improvement should be evaluated sooner as well. Taking these steps should offer some relief while monitoring your symptoms for any serious developments that require medical attention.

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