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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #16184
45 days ago
116

eye flu contagious - #16184

Janvi

I am super worried because my kid came home from school with this red, crusty eye, and I think it might be eye flu. I don’t know much about it, but I heard that eye flu is contagious. Like, how contagious is it, really? Is it something she can pass to her siblings? The teacher mentioned a few other kids had it too, and now I'm nervous since my youngest has been rubbing her eyes a lot. I know eye flu can spread around pretty quickly, but I'm trying to figure out if we need to keep everyone isolated or if it’s not that serious. What should I be looking out for besides the redness? And are there any specific steps I can take to prevent it from spreading more in the house? I mean, I guess I just want to know how long eye flu is contagious for and if there are any things we definitely need to do or avoid. Like, is handwashing enough, or should we be doing something more drastic? I feel like I’m in over my head here, and just want to make sure we don’t end up spreading it everywhere!

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Doctors’ responses

Eye flu, frequently referred to as conjunctivitis, is indeed contagious, depending on the underlying cause, often viral or bacterial in nature. When coming from a viral source such as adenovirus, its spread is comparable to the common cold. In a school setting, one child’s infection can easily travel among classmates, as viral conjunctivitis is easily passed through direct contact with the eye discharge. So yes, your child might pass it on to siblings, especially if they’re sharing towels or pillows, or playing closely without adequate handwashing in between. Beyond the redness and crusting, watch for signs like eye watering, a gritty feeling in the eyes, and sensitivity to light. These symptoms are what make the eye feel uncomfortable and signal potential infection. Typically, infectiousness lasts as long as symptoms are present or until about 24–48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment if bacterial, though this doesn’t apply for viral types as antibiotics won’t work here. To curb the spread within the household, emphasize frequent and thorough handwashing with soap and water. Clean high-touch surfaces regularly — such as doorknobs, light switches, and shared devices. Avoid letting them share towels, washcloths, or pillowcases. Reducing hand-eye contact is crucial, so reminding children to keep their hands away from their faces is key (though, challenging with young ones!). It’s wise to keep affected children apart during acute phases if feasible. Unless symptoms are severe or worsening like intense pain, vision changes, or significant swelling, this type of conjunctivitis is usually self-limiting and can be managed at home. However, if any alarming symptoms arise, consult a healthcare provider promptly to prevent complications. Overall, consistent, basic hygiene practices are effective barriers against the spread, so there’s likely no need for drastic action, but staying vigilant will help protect the rest of the family.

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