is eye flu a communicable disease - #21919
I am really worried about something that's been going around lately. My little cousin just got diagnosed with what the doctors called eye flu and I'm freaking out because I wanna know, is eye flu a communicable disease? Like, can I catch this? My family had a get-together last week and he was playing with all the kids, including my daughter. Now I'm just thinking, what if he had it then? He started with watery eyes and irritation, and I saw him rubbing his eyes a lot. Then, he developed redness that looked pretty bad, even his mom said it was bad enough to see a doc. Now everybody's asking if eye flu is a communicable disease or if it only spreads in certain ways? I mean, is it like regular flu or more like a pink eye situation? People keep texting me wanting to know if they should be careful around their own kiddos. I'm just scared that my daughter might start having symptoms next. I thought eye issues like this weren’t contagious, but now I'm not sure. Can someone help me clarify? Is eye flu a communicable disease or not? Would really appreciate any info.
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Doctors' responses
Yes, eye flu, more formally known as viral conjunctivitis, is indeed a communicable disease. It’s similar to pink eye and can spread quite easily, especially among children who often touch their faces and each other while playing. The transmission typically occurs through direct contact with the eye secretions from an infected person. It could also spread via contaminated objects and surfaces like towels, handkerchiefs, or even doorknobs, if someone touches them after someone who’s infected. That’s why it’s important to encourage everyone in your family, especially kids, to maintain good hygiene. Regular handwashing with soap and water is crucial. Avoid sharing personal items such as towels, pillowcases, or makeup, which can inadvertently become a means of transmission. If your cousin had watery, irritated eyes with redness and was rubbing them during the gathering, he could potentially have spread the virus to others. Keep an eye on your daughter for symptoms of conjunctivitis over the next week or so; common signs include redness, itching, tearing, or a sensation of having something in the eye. If she does show symptoms, it’s a good idea to have her evaluated by a healthcare professional. Viral conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own without treatment, but in some cases, supportive care like cool compresses can help. In a scenario where symptoms worsen or vision is affected, seek medical attention promptly. Make sure she avoids rubbing her eyes and frequently wash her hands to minimize further spread. It’s good practice to alert other parents about the potential exposure so they can also monitor for symptoms in their own children.
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