eye flu precautions - #16174
I am starting to get really worried about this eye flu outbreak going around. A friend told me about the eye flu precautions she’s taking because she works in a school, and it got me thinking about how I might be exposed too. Last week, I noticed my eyes felt really itchy and red, and honestly I wasn't even sure if I had been exposed or if it was just allergies acting up. I went to the doctor, and they said it could be conjunctivitis or maybe even early signs of eye flu. Now I’m trying to figure out what eye flu precautions I should be taking. Like, should I avoid touching my eyes completely, or is there something specific I should use? I hate wearing goggles but maybe I need to! I heard washing hands is crucial, but I was using hand sanitizer when I wasn't home. Is that enough?? Should I be keeping my distance from everyone just in case? Just feel like I need to be on top of this. What eye flu precautions have worked for you guys? Any advice on how to protect my family too? I’m just a bit overwhelmed honestly.
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Doctors’ responses
It sounds like you’re really focused on getting the right precautions in place, which is already a good step towards protecting yourself and others. Eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis, is relatively contagious, so proper hygiene is key. Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this can spread the virus both to yourself and others. Frequent hand washing with soap and water is indeed crucial—hand sanitizers can be a good backup when soap isn’t available, but soap and water are more effective in removing viral particles. If you wear contact lenses, consider switching to glasses until the irritation clears up to avoid further irritation and potential spread of the virus. In terms of distancing, try to maintain some space, especially if you are experiencing symptoms, as the virus can be spread through respiratory droplets. Try to avoid sharing personal items like towels, pillows, or eye makeup with others, as these can be transmission vectors. Eye protection isn’t usually necessary unless you are in a high-risk setting, but if goggles provide peace of mind, it’s a personal choice—just ensure they’re clean. For family members, encourage good hand hygiene, avoid close contact if you have symptoms, and use clean textiles and surfaces. Keeping your environment clean helps reduce the chance of the virus spreading to living surfaces. Make sure to consult your doctor if symptoms worsen, as they may recommend specific treatments or further evaluation. Immediate medical attention is advisable if you experience severe eye pain, significant vision changes, or persistent symptoms to rule out more serious conditions. These steps can help you and your family minimize risk and manage exposure effectively.
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