How to Deal With Flu Season’s Surprising Companion: Pink Eye
In addition to processing COVID-19, influenza As well as various colds in autumn and winter, we should also pay attention to pink eye. Pink eye, also called conjunctivitis, appears as pink or red eyes, but symptoms include Eye irritationdischarge and itching.
“When you have the virus, it can cause eye-related symptoms, especially if you touch your eyes or are around someone with the virus and they cough or sneeze,” says Dr. Jennifer Tsai, a practicing optometrist. New York City, this article was published in November 2023. Pinkeye can be caused by the spread of a virus from your currently affected mucous membranes or by contact with someone who has a respiratory infection.
Here are the different types of eye infections to watch out for this cold and flu season, how to relieve symptoms at home, and when to see your doctor.
What viruses cause pink eye?
The most common seasonal viruses (the common cold, flu, and now COVID-19) can cause viral pinkeye. For example, some 2021 studies found that as many as one in ten people Patients with COVID-19 and eye symptoms. Conjunctivitis caused by coronavirus, American Academy of Ophthalmology says More common in children than adults.
Tsai said the most common cause of viral pinkeye is infection Adenovirusa virus that causes mild cold or flu symptoms in most people and is more widespread during flu/respiratory virus season. Lesser-known viral culprits of pinkeye also include the herpes simplex virus that causes cold sores, Tsai said. if cold sore virus Contact with eyes or another outbreak may occur.
Viral and bacterial pinkeye symptoms
To find the right pinkeye relief and determine whether medication is needed, you need to determine the underlying cause of your condition: Is it bacterial or viral?
Viral pink eye symptomsAccording to Tsai, the symptoms usually include an itchy feeling in the eyes and a watery discharge. Other symptoms may include Redness or burning sensation.
Viral pink eye can also appear in both eyes; it may start in one eye but quickly spread to the other, she said.
bacterial pinkeye This is caused by an infection or injury to the eye, including contact lens infection, Tsai said. If you have bacterial pinkeye, you are more likely to have a thick, yellowish, or sticky discharge from your eyes, along with more eye pain and blurred vision. (AAO notes Bacterial conjunctivitis does not always cause discharge. ) According to Tsai, a big clue that you have bacterial pinkeye is that it’s present in one eye, although both eyes can be infected.
In most cases, pinkeye caused by a viral infection can be treated at home (more on that below), and milder bacterial pinkeye will usually go away, but it’s important to see your doctor as soon as possible if you develop eye pain. Vision problems or other symptoms of serious eye infection. Your treatment, or whether you can relieve pink eye at home, also depends on the type of eye infection you have.
When you have pink eye, it’s best to avoid eye makeup and contact lenses.
Read more: Home Remedies for Dry Itchy Eyes
How to treat pink eye (and avoid spreading it)
Tsai said most cases of viral pinkeye are “self-limiting,” meaning they may clear up on their own within two weeks. If you have a bacterial infection, you may be given antibiotic eye drops to help kill the bacteria causing your symptoms.
Regardless of the cause or severity of pink eye, it’s best to see an eye doctor just in case, Tsai says. If you have symptoms that affect or blur your vision, cause eye pain, are sensitive to light, or feel like something is stuck in your eye, See you soon.
Since most cases of viral pinkeye can be resolved at home, the cornerstone of pinkeye control is to relieve symptoms of itchiness or irritation. Here are some suggestions from Teacher Cai:
- For comfort, apply cold compresses to your eyes. Anything soft and cold will do, but there are also Eye patches like this Designed for cooling.
- use artificial tears Soothes your eyes.
- Treat itchy eyes with anti-allergy drops. In addition to viral or bacterial infections, the third culprit of pink eye is allergies. The antihistamines in allergy eye drops can help relieve this irritation.
I would like to express my gratitude Eye Drop Recalls and Safety Concerns Regarding some brands of artificial tears, Cai said to continue to avoid using eye drops that do not meet safety standards. She also advises people to avoid Visine and Clear Eyes eye drops because they contain ingredients that constrict blood vessels in the eyes. For eye drops recommendations based on specific needs, you can read this CNET Eye drops list.
To avoid spreading pink eye, follow these tips from the American Optometric Association and the American Academy of Ophthalmology:
- Do not reuse towels after washing your face
- Try not to touch your eyes; if you do, wash your hands immediately
- Do not wear makeup if you have an eye infection
- Do not wear contact lenses when infected
