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is conjunctivitis and eye flu same
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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #16425
2 days ago
15

is conjunctivitis and eye flu same - #16425

Nikhil

I am really confused about my eye issues. A couple of weeks ago, I woke up with redness and itchiness in one eye. I thought it was just allergies, you know, seasonal stuff, but then it got worse. My eye started watering like crazy, and I had this crusty discharge. I went to the local clinic, and the doc mentioned that I might have conjunctivitis. But then I heard someone say that conjunctivitis and eye flu are the same thing, and I’m not sure what to think. Does that mean I can catch it from someone like a virus? The doc didn’t completely explain this whole is conjunctivitis and eye flu same part to me. I’ve never had anything like this before! My friend said her kid had this “eye flu” and she thought it was contagious too. What’s the difference? These symptoms are really driving me nuts, it’s like I can’t focus on anything. Should I be worried about something worse since my eyes are still red after all this time? Is conjunctivitis and eye flu same, or is there more to it? I’m just trying to understand what I’m dealing with. Thanks for any help!

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Doctors’ responses

The terms “conjunctivitis” and “eye flu” can indeed be confusing because they are often used interchangeably, but they do technically refer to the same condition. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva, the clear membrane that covers the white part of the eyeball and lines the inside of the eyelids. This can be caused by several factors including viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants, and it’s commonly known as “pink eye.” When people talk about “eye flu,” they’re usually referring to viral conjunctivitis. This is often due to the types of viruses that might cause colds or the flu, and yes, it is contagious just like any viral infection, so it can spread from person to person, usually through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions from an infected individual.

Your symptoms sound consistent with viral conjunctivitis, especially because of the watery discharge and the crusting you mentioned. Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, which might have thicker, yellow discharge, viral conjunctivitis tends to be watery and often affects both eyes after starting in one. If it’s been a few weeks and your symptoms haven’t improved, it might be worth getting reevaluated by your healthcare provider. Sometimes additional treatments like antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis or antibiotic drops for bacterial infections can be needed, depending on the exact cause. Avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands frequently to prevent spreading the infection. For relief, you can use warm compresses on the eyes and over-the-counter lubricating eye drops but if your symptoms persist or worsen, further examination would be necessary to rule out other more serious issues, such as keratitis or other complications that might affect your vision.

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