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why eye flu is spreading
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Eye & Vision Disorders
Question #20210
2 days ago
11

why eye flu is spreading - #20210

Aarav

I am really confused and a little worried because a lot of people around me are getting this eye flu thing, and I don’t get it – why eye flu is spreading so fast!? Last week, my neighbor's kid had it, and now two more kids in the school have it. They were all complaining about red, itchy eyes, and I swear, it feels like a chain reaction. Like, is there a virus going around or something? I was just at a family event, and my cousin's husband mentioned it too – he said it felt like sandpaper in his eyes! I looked it up and saw people talking about why eye flu is spreading; some say it’s due to allergies or maybe poor hygiene, but isn't there a bigger reason? I mean, could it be something in the water or air? I feel like every day I hear more about kids scratching their eyes or getting conjunctivitis, and I'm just really curious. I keep washing my hands and trying to keep my distance, but I don't want to freak out over something everyone seems to be getting. Can someone break it down for me, like, really? What’s the deal with why eye flu is spreading and how serious is it? Should I be worried for my family?

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Doctors’ responses

Eye flu, commonly referred to as conjunctivitis, can indeed spread rapidly, leading to situations just like you’re describing. The main culprit behind the spread is usually a viral infection, often due to adenoviruses, which are easily transmitted from person to person. Unlike bacterial infections, viral conjunctivitis can spread through touching contaminated surfaces, sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup, or through respiratory droplets from coughing and sneezing. It’s not typically caused by water or air conditions directly, so that’s probably not the root of what’s happening in your area. Good hygiene can help mitigate the spread. This means washing hands frequently, avoiding touching the face or eyes, and not sharing personal items that come into contact with the eyes. Allergies could cause symptoms similar to conjunctivitis, but they’re not contagious, so that’s likely not the reason behind the rise in cases you’re seeing. It’s understandable to be concerned when you hear about cases jumping from one person to the next, especially in close-knit environments like schools and families where contact is frequent. If you observe symptoms of red, irritated eyes with particular emphasis on discharge, especially if it’s affecting vision or accompanied by pain, it’s a good idea to seek medical advice to confirm if it’s conjunctivitis or something more serious. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears up on its own within one to two weeks, but it’s still essential to practice effective preventative measures to protect yourself and others. If you or a family member develop symptoms, it’s best to minimize close contact with others, continue good hand hygiene, and avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily. If you notice that symptoms persist or worsen, contacting a healthcare professional for an accurate diagnosis and guidance is crucial.

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