how to recover eye flu - #16488
I am really stressed about this eye flu thing that I've been dealing with. A few days ago, I started feeling this itchiness in my eyes, and then they got all watery. I thought it was just allergies, but then they got super red and swollen. I didn't want to ignore it, so I went to the doctor, and they said it looks like I might have eye flu. I never knew there was such a thing, but now I'm worried about how to recover from eye flu. The doctor just told me to use some cool compresses and gave me eye drops, but I feel like there must be more to it. I can barely keep my eyes open with this discomfort, and it’s hard to focus on anything. Like, seriously, I can’t even watch TV without feeling terrible! How do you know when eye flu is getting better? Honestly, I’m a bit lost on how long this will last and what else I can do to help myself. I’ve read about symptoms and the usual recovery tips online but I just need to hear from real people on how to recover eye flu effectively, like, what worked for you? Are there certain things I should avoid? Any personal tips or home remedies that helped you out? Really appreciate any advice!
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Doctors’ responses
Eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis, can be certainly uncomfortable and disruptive. While it typically resolves on its own in about 1 to 2 weeks, there are some actions you can take to alleviate symptoms and possibly facilitate a smoother recovery. To start, keeping your eye area clean is crucial. Wash your hands frequently and avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, which can irritate them further or spread the infection. Continue using cool compresses—they can provide relief from itchiness and swelling. You’ll want to use a clean, cold cloth gently on your closed eyelids for a few minutes at a time, several times a day. If you’ve been prescribed eye drops, such as artificial tears or medicated drops, use them as directed by your doctor. Artificial tears can help reduce dryness and remove irritants from your eyes. Resting your eyes is important, so take breaks from screen time and bright lights, which can worsen discomfort. Also, managing your general stress can somewhat positively impact your immune system’s efficiency in fighting the virus. Drink plenty of water, and try to get enough sleep each night. As for activities to avoid, stay away from makeup, contact lenses, or any other items that could provoke additional irritation until your eyes have fully recovered. Be aware of ‘red flags’ like severe pain, vision changes, or worsening symptoms—these could indicate a complication or a different issue requiring prompt medical attention. In the absence of these, monitoring your symptoms over time is key, as a gradual decrease in redness, swelling, and discomfort usually signals improvement. Since viral conjunctivitis is contagious, preventing its spread is important; avoid close contact with others and do not share towels or personal items. Remember, while personal accounts can offer reassurance, relying on professional medical advice ensures that you’re following evidence-based practices suitable for your specific case.
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