remedies of eye flu - #18101
I am feeling pretty worried lately because I think I might have eye flu, ugh! A few days ago, I woke up with really red and watery eyes, and I just thought maybe it was allergies or something. But then my friend told me that redness and the itchiness could actually be symptoms of eye flu. I noticed almost like a sticky drainage too, like I couldn’t really see well because my eyes felt so swollen and irritated. Is this really eye flu? I’ve read that it can be contagious, and I’m freaking out a bit thinking about who I may have spread it to. My sister was over the other day. Any recommendations for over-the-counter remedies of eye flu? I don’t have time to see a doctor right now but I need to figure out some remedies of eye flu before I go crazy! Like, are there specific drops I should use? I remember reading something about warm compresses helping too; does that actually work? I’m just scared I’ll be stuck like this for ages. If anyone’s dealt with this, I’d love to hear what remedies of eye flu worked for you!
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Doctors' responses
Based on your symptoms, it’s quite possible you are dealing with conjunctivitis, often referred to as “eye flu.” This condition can indeed be contagious, especially if it’s viral or bacterial, so it’s wise to be cautious around others until you get it resolved. You can try several self-care steps to ease your symptoms and prevent spreading it further. Start with good hygiene: wash hands frequently and avoid touching your eyes. If there’s discharge, gently clean your eyes using a clean cloth or tissue. For relieving discomfort, applying warm compresses to your eyes can help soothe irritation and reduce swelling. Over-the-counter artificial tears can also be useful in washing out irritants and providing relief. Look for preservative-free options, especially if you’re sensitive to preservatives. Decongestant eye drops can temporarily reduce redness, but avoid using them for more than a few days as they can cause rebound redness. Avoid using contact lenses or eye makeup until the symptoms are completely resolved. Conjunctivitis typically improves in a few days to two weeks but consider seeing a healthcare provider if your symptoms persist longer than a week or worsen, to rule out bacterial infection that might require antibiotic drops. Always avoid sharing towels, bed linens, or cosmetics, and clean surfaces like doorknobs regularly to prevent spreading it. Remember, while self-treatment can be effective, getting medical advice promptly if your symptoms are severe or enduring is always a good policy.
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