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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #18764
68 days ago
156

what is the eye flu - #18764

Dev

I am really worried because my daughter just came down with something that the school nurse said might be eye flu. Like, what is the eye flu, exactly? Two days ago, she just started complaining about some itchiness in her eyes, then there was redness, and now she’s got some weird discharge. I kinda thought it’d just clear up on its own, but then the nurse said it could be contagious and that I should look it up. Is this a big deal? What is the eye flu and how do you even catch it? I mean, do we need to see a doctor or can it be treated at home? She’s been rubbing her eyes a lot, and I just feel bad that she might be uncomfortable, you know? Also, what is the eye flu's relationship to allergies? I’m just confused because her brother had allergies last week and now she’s got this thing. Should I keep them apart? I just want to make sure this doesn’t spread or get worse. Any advice would be super helpful!

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Doctors' responses

Eye flu is commonly referred to as viral conjunctivitis, an inflammation of the conjunctiva— the thin, clear tissue lining the inside of the eyelid and covering the white part of the eye—typically caused by adenoviruses. This condition is quite contagious, spreading through direct or indirect contact with infected eye secretions. It’s usually transmitted through touching contaminated surfaces, sharing towels, or close personal contact. Like you noticed, symptoms include itchiness, redness, and sometimes a watery or sticky discharge. It’s true that viral conjunctivitis can clear up on its own in 1-2 weeks, but it’s important to manage it properly to relieve symptoms and prevent spreading. Encourage your daughter to avoid touching her eyes and wash her hands frequently. Warm compresses can help ease the discomfort, and artificial tears are useful for lubrication. Make sure she avoids sharing towels, pillows, or personal items. It’s worth visiting a healthcare provider to confirm the diagnosis, especially if symptoms worsen or persist beyond two weeks, if you notice pain, vision changes, or severe redness indicates you may need urgent care. An eye doctor can also distinguish between viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis, or other eye conditions—this is key to ensuring appropriate treatment. Indeed, eye flu isn’t directly related to allergies, though symptoms can overlap; allergies generally cause both eyes to itch and are less likely to be contagious. Separate your children as much as possible to prevent it from spreading. Since your daughter’s condition appears to be contagious, keeping them apart is sound advice. Prioritize hygiene, look out for any new symptoms, and seek medical advice if anything is concerning.

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