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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #20188
49 days ago
100

effects of eye flu - #20188

Harsh

I am feeling really concerned because my friend recently had this crazy bout of eye flu that seemed to just come outta nowhere! One moment, we were hanging out, and then the next, his eyes started watering like crazy and turning super red. He was complaining about all these itchy feelings and said there were like floaties swimming around in his vision. He even had to miss a few days of work because of it. I didn’t think too much of it at first, but now I'm wonderin'... what are the actual effects of eye flu? Like, I mean, how long does it usually last? I've read online that it can be contagious, which freaks me out a bit! I’ve also seen some posts mentioning that the effects of eye flu might vary from person to person, and that has me like, is that true? Are there any lasting effects of eye flu that I should be worried about? My eyes have been a little itchy too, but I’m not sure if it's allergies or something worse. Any thoughts from you docs on what I should keep an eye on, pun intended, or how to properly handle the effects of eye flu in case I catch it? Would love to know what to expect!

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Doctors' responses

Eye flu, commonly referred to as conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin layer covering the white part of your eyes. The symptoms you described—redness, watering, itchiness, and floaters—are quite characteristic of viral conjunctivitis, though floaters aren’t typical, so they might need further evaluation if they persist. The condition is indeed contagious and generally spreads through direct contact with infected eye secretions. It’s important to maintain good hygiene to prevent transmission, such as frequent hand washing and avoiding sharing personal items like towels. Viral conjunctivitis, which is usually caused by adenoviruses, typically lasts anywhere from one to two weeks. It might resolve on its own as your body fights off the virus, but it’s good to be vigilant about complications. In most cases, there are no lasting effects, but severe infections can occasionally lead to issues like keratitis, an inflammation of the cornea, which may impact vision.

In your case, since you’ve started experiencing itchy eyes, it’s wise to be cautious. If the itchiness persists or if you develop more significant symptoms like blurred vision or pain, seeking medical advice would be prudent. Management is generally supportive; artificial tears and cold compresses can help with discomfort. If your friend was diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis instead, which is less common but possible, antibiotics might have been prescribed. However, they wouldn’t be effective for viral causes. Keep a regular track of eye health, avoid touching your eyes, and practice hygiene to minimize risk. If you notice alarming changes or persistent severe symptoms, setting up an appointment with an eye care professional or your primary doctor is advisable. They can conduct a proper examination to rule out more serious conditions and provide tailored advice based on your symptoms and health history.

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