does eye flu spread through eye contact - #16257
I am really confused and a bit stressed about this whole eye flu thing going around. A few days ago, my friend who I shared drinks with said she had been feeling under the weather and, shockingly, her doctor told her she might have eye flu. We were at this party, and yeah, we were kinda close, and I thought it was just pink eye or something like that. Now I can't shake this worry -- does eye flu spread through eye contact? I mean, it seems like it could be possible since we were talking face to face and all. Ugh, I've been feeling this weird gritty sensation in my eyes since then, and it kind of feels itchy too. I want to know how cautious I need to be, like should I be worried about touching my face or even hanging out with people? My mom keeps saying it's highly contagious but honestly, I thought it was just a way to deter us from sharing drinks or snacks! I’ve read mixed stuff online, and now I'm just not sure what to believe. Does anyone know if does eye flu spread through eye contact really or is that a myth? Any advice would be super helpful!
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Doctors’ responses
Eye flu, often referred to as viral conjunctivitis, doesn’t spread directly through eye contact. Instead, it’s primarily transmitted through direct contact with infectious secretions. This means touching something that has the virus on it—like a towel or doorknob—and then touching your eyes can spread the infection. Sharing drinks typically isn’t a direct way for this particular virus to spread. While its true that being in close contact, like at a party, increases one’s risk—because you might share items or touch the same surfaces—eye contact by itself won’t pass it on. It’s those shared surfaces and touching your own eyes afterwards that’s the real risk. The gritty and itchy sensation you’re feeling can indeed be indicative of conjunctivitis, but it could also result from other causes like allergies or dry eyes. If you’re concerned about the symptoms you’re experiencing, practicing good hygiene is a sensible precaution. Wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your face, and don’t share personal items like towels or makeup. If you notice redness, discharge, or if the symptoms worsen, it’s a good idea to consult a healthcare provider. They can determine if it’s conjunctivitis and guide you to the appropriate treatment. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own, but if bacterial, you might need antibiotic eye drops. And yes, while eye flu is highly contagious, maintaining good hand hygiene and avoiding touching your eyes helps manage the risk. If you feel uncomfortable in social settings and your symptoms persist, reducing close contact with others until your symptoms improve also might be wise. This will help minimize any potential spread if indeed it’s an infectious condition.
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