why does eye flu happen - #22024
I am really confused about why does eye flu happen. A couple of weeks ago, I started noticing my eyes were super itchy, like the worst itch ever! At first, I thought maybe it was just allergies or something, but then my eyes got all red and watery. I couldn't even focus on my work, it was horrible. I went to my regular doctor, and they said it looked like conjunctivitis but didn't really explain why does eye flu happen in the first place. They gave me some eye drops but the itching hasn't gone away completely. I mean, does it just happen out of nowhere? I didn't even know eye flu was a thing until my friend told me about it. I’m still trying to figure out if there’s something specific that causes it. Is it contagious? Like, what about the people around me? Do I need to change what I'm doing to prevent it from coming back? If anyone feels like shedding some light on why does eye flu happen, that would be awesome! I feel like I’m going nuts over here trying to understand all this. Thanks in advance!
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Doctors' responses
Conjunctivitis, commonly referred to as eye flu, typically means inflammation of the conjunctiva—the thin, transparent layer covering the eye and insides of the eyelids. This can be due to several causes, including viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants. The viral form, often called viral conjunctivitis, is quite contagious and is typically what people mean when they mention “eye flu.” It often follows respiratory infections or colds, and it’s spread through contact with infectious tears, eye discharge, or even contaminated surfaces. Such form typically presents with watery, red eyes that are itchy and can include a gritty feeling. Bacterial conjunctivitis, on the other hand, usually results in a sticky, pus-like discharge and also spreads easily, sometimes needing antibiotic eye drops for treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis, linked to things like pollen or pet dander, isn’t contagious and usually happens alongside other allergy symptoms like nasal congestion. For prevention, it’s crucial to maintain good hygiene—frequent hand washing, avoiding touching the eyes, and not sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup. Since it’s contagious, people around you—particularly in close environments like schools or offices—should also be cautious. When symptoms persist despite drops, a follow-up with your healthcare provider might be necessary to reassess the underlying cause or try alternative treatments. In future, avoid eye straining and consider using artificial tears to keep your eyes well-lubricated. But if symptoms worsen, seeking immediate medical advice is important to rule out more serious conditions.
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