eye flu transmission - #19417
I am really worried about this eye flu transmission thing. My little brother came home from school last week with pink eye, and now I think I might have it too! At first, I thought it was just allergies or something, but now my eyes are all red and itchy, and they kinda hurt. I heard eye flu transmission is super contagious, right? He’s been using the same towels and we share a bathroom, and I feel like I might’ve touched his stuff without thinking. Also, a couple of friends were over the other day and they were rubbing their eyes too. Ugh, I don’t wanna pass this on! Is this eye flu transmission really as easy as just touching something? Like, if I wash my hands a lot, can I avoid it? Or maybe it’s too late for me?? Also, do I need to see a doctor or can I just wait it out? I hate how my eyes feel and I can't really wear my contacts like this. Seriously, I was just starting to get back into wearing them. Any tips on dealing with this eye flu transmission situation would be greatly appreciated!
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Doctors' responses
Eye flu, commonly referred to as conjunctivitis, is indeed quite contagious, especially if it’s viral or bacterial. It’s understandable to worry about catching it from your brother, as conjunctivitis can spread rapidly through direct and indirect contact. You can get it by touching your eyes after touching objects contaminated with the discharge from an infected person’s eyes. Sharing towels or utensils is a classic way of spreading it, so your shared bathroom situation might have been a point of transmission. To reduce your risk, wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid touching your face, and use separate towels. Clean surfaces like handles, doorknobs, and bathroom fixtures often. If you’re experiencing red, itchy eyes that hurt, and considering recent exposure, it’s reasonable to suspect conjunctivitis. Avoid wearing contact lenses until your symptoms clear up to prevent further irritation or damage to your eyes. Usually, viral conjunctivitis will resolve on its own over a week or two, but you might benefit from warm compresses, over-the-counter artificial tears, or antihistamines if allergies might be complicating things. However, bacterial conjunctivitis may need an antibiotic ointment or drops, prescribed by a doctor, so it would be a good idea to see a healthcare provider for an accurate diagnosis and potential treatment. Additionally, if you or your friends are having severe pain, vision changes, or have an underlying eye condition, you should seek medical attention promptly. Playing it safe never hurts, so better to consult your healthcare provider if there’s uncertainty.
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