what to do when you have eye flu - #17995
I am really worried about this sudden issue I'm having with my eyes. A few days ago, I woke up with one of my eyes all red and itchy, which quickly spread to the other one. I’ve never had anything like this before, and it's super uncomfortable. I feel like it could be eye flu but not really sure what to do when you have eye flu because I’ve heard different things. I tried some over-the-counter drops, thinking it might help, but it just feels like a band-aid fix. The discharge is driving me insane, especially at night! When I googled what to do when you have eye flu, I found that some people said cold compresses can help, while others suggested staying away from screens, which is nearly impossible with work. I just can't believe how quickly this turned from a mild irritation to something that’s really bothering me. Anyone else dealt with this? What do you do when you have eye flu that actually helps? I’m kinda panicking and just want to get back to normal. Is it worth going to a doc or just stick it out for a few more days? I’m worried it could be contagious too, since I was around my kids. Ugh, just need some good advice!
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Doctors' responses
Based on your description, it sounds like you might be dealing with conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as “eye flu,” which can be viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature. Given the rapid spread and discharge, there’s a good chance this is a viral form, which is often due to adenoviruses and can be highly contagious. Since you’ve already tried some over-the-counter drops without much relief, and considering the discomfort and potential for spreading it to your children, it’s worth getting a professional evaluation. An eye doctor can differentiate the type of conjunctivitis and provide the appropriate treatment, as bacterial infections might require antibiotic drops, while viral conjunctivitis tends to improve on its own but may benefit from supportive care to alleviate symptoms. In the meantime, ensure you maintain strict hygiene to prevent spreading it further—wash your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and don’t share towels or bedding with others. Cold compresses can offer relief from itching and swelling, and although it might be challenging with work, try to reduce screen time or take frequent breaks to lessen eye strain. Keep in mind that if you’re experiencing severe pain, sensitivity to light, or changes in vision, it’s important to seek immediate medical care as these may be red-flag symptoms indicating a more serious condition. Conjunctivitis tends to resolve within one to two weeks, but if there’s no improvement or symptoms worsen, a visit to your doctor is advised for further evaluation and management.
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