eye flu prevention - #18023
I am kind of freaking out because my kid just got diagnosed with pink eye and now I’m worried about eye flu prevention for the whole family. We thought it was just allergies at first, but nope, the doc says it’s contagious! Now, my other two kids are starting to rub their eyes a lot too, and I feel like I'm going to lose my mind trying to figure out how to keep eye flu prevention in check, you know? We’re washing hands like crazy, but what else can we do? Are there certain household cleaners or even some kind of eye drops that help with eye flu prevention? And like, is there a specific way to wash bedding and towels, or does it not really matter? I mean, I just want to make sure this doesn’t spread around. It’s such a hassle! What about sharing things like pillows or even snacks? Ugh, it’s hard to keep track. I’ve heard some things about warm compresses too? I'm really hoping to get all the tips I can on eye flu prevention before it gets worse. Any advice would be super helpful! Thanks!
100% Anonymously
No sign-up needed.

Doctors' responses
Absolutely, tackling eye flu, or conjunctivitis, requires a good strategy to stop it from spreading. Washing hands is definitely a top priority, but let’s break it down a bit more to help you manage this at home. Ensure that all family members are washing their hands frequently with soap and water for at least 20 seconds. This is your first line of defense. Also, try to minimize touching the face, especially the eyes, as much as possible. When it comes to cleaning, regular household cleaners or a diluted bleach solution (10% bleach to water) can effectively disinfect surfaces like doorknobs, light switches, and bathroom fixtures where the virus particles might linger. Avoid any eye drops labeled for “redness relief,” as these can potentially irritate the eyes further or mask symptoms. Look for preservative-free artificial tears to soothe any discomfort. Bedding and towels should be washed in hot water with detergent and dried on a high-heat setting. Use separate towels for each family member to minimize contact. It’s wise to avoid sharing personal items like pillows, tissues, or even snacks that might come into contact with saliva or touch the eyes—keep those things individual. Plush toys or any shared items should also be washed frequently or kept separate until the infection subsides. As for warm compresses, they can help alleviate discomfort but don’t directly prevent spread; ensure each compress is used only once per person and freshly washed. Be vigilant about these practices especially during the contagious phase, which can last a few days to a couple of weeks. If symptoms worsen or you notice any severe signs like eye pain, swelling, severe redness, or a change in vision, getting in touch with your healthcare provider again is essential, as it might require more specific treatment or investigation.
100% Anonymously
Get expert answers anytime, completely confidential. No sign-up needed.
About our doctors
Only qualified doctors who have confirmed the availability of medical education and other certificates of medical practice consult on our service. You can check the qualification confirmation in the doctor's profile.