eye flu ka - #18640
I am really worried about something that’s going on with my eyes. A week ago, I started feeling this itchiness and some redness around my eyes, and honestly, I thought it might just be allergies or something simple, you know? Then, out of nowhere, my 8-year-old son got the same thing, and he’s been rubbing his eyes like crazy! I took him to the doctor, and they said it could be eye flu ka or conjunctivitis, and now I'm freaking out because I don't want this to spread everywhere in my house! My symptoms are just like his—itchy, red eyes, and a little bit of watering. I haven’t seen much improvement even after using the eye drops they prescribed, and I'm worried if I should go back for a follow-up. Is eye flu ka actually contagious? Should I be keeping him away from his friends and me from touching everything? This has really thrown off our routine, and I’m just trying to figure out what to do next. Kinda scared it might get worse or if there are other things we need to watch for. Help! What’s the best way to handle this eye flu ka situation?
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Doctors' responses
It sounds like you’re dealing with conjunctivitis, commonly known as “pink eye,” which can definitely be contagious, especially if it’s caused by a bacterial or viral infection. Let’s break it down: There are primarily three types of conjunctivitis—viral, bacterial, and allergic. Viral conjunctivitis is often spread from one person to another and can also be linked to upper respiratory tract infections. It can transmit through direct contact with the discharge from an infected person’s eye or even through contaminated objects or surfaces. Both you and your son should practice good hygiene to prevent spreading it further. Some simple but effective measures include washing hands frequently with soap and water, avoiding touching or rubbing the eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels or pillows.
You mentioned you’re using prescribed eye drops, which suggests that either bacteria or infection is suspected. If there’s no improvement in symptoms after a few days, it might be prudent to follow up with your healthcare provider, they might need to reassess and might consider a different treatment approach, maybe confirm if the right diagnosis was made or if complications are presenting. Keep in mind that symptoms like severe pain, sensitivity to light, blurred vision, or worsening of redness or swelling should prompt immediate medical attention. For your son and yourself, reducing contact with others might help limit further spread, so it’s wise to keep him home from school or playdates until symptoms improve. For confirming the viral nature, they typically resolve on their own in one to two weeks, but supportive care is key—staying hydrated, using cold compresses, and perhaps lubricating eye drops can provide relief from discomfort. Minimize screen time, rest the eyes, and keep the environment clean. Ultimately, leading a routine that reduces exposure and promotes hygiene will help as you navigate through this, and if things persist or worsen, don’t hesitate to reach out to a medical professional.
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