precautions for eye flu - #18537
I am super worried because the other day, my friend told me she’s got eye flu. I didn’t even know that was a thing until she mentioned it! She said she felt this weird itch, like her eyes were really dry and burning, and now her eyes are all red. I started thinking about how we had lunch together right before she got sick, and I’m freaking out about what precautions for eye flu I should be taking now! Like, should I stop using my make-up and what about my contacts? I also work in an office where everyone is close — like, we share the same space all day. Any thoughts on precautions for eye flu I can take? I heard something about keeping my hands clean but is there more to it? Also, is it possible to catch it from touching surfaces or doorknobs? I don’t wanna look back and say “ugh, why did I go to that lunch?”, ya know? Got any tips to keep my eyes safe and also avoid getting this eye flu? I just can’t shake this feeling of paranoia about it now!
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Doctors' responses
Eye flu sounds like conjunctivitis, often caused by a viral or bacterial infection, and it can indeed spread through direct contact or by touching surfaces that an infected person has touched. To steer clear of catching or spreading it, there are a few practical steps you can take. First off, the basics: keep your hands clean. Wash them frequently with soap and water, especially after touching your eyes or face, and before eating. If you’re in a shared space, avoid touching surfaces like doorknobs or common equipment, but if you do, clean your hands afterwards. Also, try not to touch your face unless your hands are clean.
As for make-up and contacts, yes, it’s best to exercise caution. Avoid sharing eye make-up, mascara, contact lenses or related accessories, and if possible, give your eyes a break from wearing contacts until the situation is under control. This will help lower your risk of transferring the virus to your eyes. If you do wear contacts, ensure that your hands are meticulously clean before handling them, and stick to a strict hygiene routine with contact lens care solutions.
While working in close quarters like an office, keep a safe distance where possible, especially if someone is visibly showing symptoms like red or irritated eyes. Encourage indoor ventilation to help disperse lingering pathogens. Also, if you’re feeling under the weather, stay home—treat the same way to avoid infecting others with potential viruses.
Bear in mind that if you develop redness, pain, or unusual discharge from your eyes, it’s time to get checked by a healthcare professional promptly to confirm the source and get appropriate treatment. In the meantime, these steps should help mitigate risk for you and your colleagues. Keeping a small bottle of hand sanitizer on hand can also be useful for those times when soap and water aren’t readily available. By following these precautions, you can better safeguard your eye health and reduce your anxiety about the situation.
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