medicine of eye flu - #20750
I am seriously confused and a bit worried about what I've got going on with my eyes. About a week ago, I started experiencing some weird symptoms – my eyes were all itchy, watery, and incredibly red. Like, I thought it was just allergies at first, but my friend said it sounds like eye flu. I didn't even know eye flu was a thing! I tried rinsing my eyes out and using some over-the-counter drops, but it didn't help much. I read something about the medicine of eye flu, but there’s so much info out there, it’s hard to know what’s legit. I mean, I don’t wanna just take anything without knowing. I've also felt kinda dizzy and had a low-grade fever, which has added to my paranoia. I went to my doc, but they were kinda dismissive, saying it was probably viral, and told me to wait it out. My question is, what exactly is the medicine of eye flu? Is there something I should be taking or doing to make this better? Should I go back to the doctor or try to tough it out? Perhapse I should look into different types of treatment too. Any advice or personal experiences with the medicine of eye flu would be super helpful!
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Doctors' responses
Eye flu, often referred to as viral conjunctivitis, is a common condition that typically resolves on its own without requiring specific medication. It is caused by viral infections, similar to those that cause the common cold, and usually doesn’t need antibiotics. Over-the-counter artificial tears can help soothe irritation, and cold compresses can reduce swelling and discomfort. Be cautious, though, because some eye drops might contain preservatives that could further irritate your eyes. Keep the area clean by gently wiping away discharge with a clean, damp cloth. Since you’ve experienced dizziness and fever, it’s crucial to monitor these symptoms. They could indicate a more systemic viral infection, like adenovirus, which sometimes accompanies eye issues. While this generally means supportive care – like rest and staying hydrated – if these symptoms worsen, or if you experience changes in vision or severe pain, you should definitely return to the doctor. Although viral conjunctivitis is best managed by supportive care, different scenarios, like bacterial conjunctivitis, would require a different approach, such as antibiotic drops. Confirming the exact cause through a clinical examination is always the right step. Ensure frequent hand washing to avoid spreading the infection to others. If your symptoms persist beyond a week or two or are significantly affecting your daily functioning, another visit to the doctor is warranted. If your original doctor was dismissive, seeking a second opinion could provide peace of mind and an opportunity to discuss a treatment plan more thoroughly suited to your current condition.
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