Eye Flu spreading in many parts of the world.

Conjunctivitis, often known as eye fluid, is a very infectious eye disease that affects many. In addition to being typically viral, eye flu can also be bacterial or allergic eye infection.

Due to the sudden change in the weather conditions, many kinds of diseases are spreading among people. Mainly the diseases of flus such as eye flu also known as conjuctivitus is spreading rapidly these days.

While conjunctivitis is of many types and can be caused by bacteria, virus or allergy, the infection that is widespread nowadays is mostly acute viral infection which takes its own course and is self-limiting. The symptoms range from redness, itchiness, stickiness in eyes and swollen eyelids. In case of bacterial infection, the thick discharge from the eyes is yellow or green. While there is no immediate relief from medicine or eyedrops in case of viral infection, the symptoms take 1-2 weeks to ease.

Kids are more likely to get conjunctivitis simply because they are more physically active than adults and stay in groups be it in school or parks.

Conjuntivitis can cause redness, itching, and discharge in the eyes, and since a crust may form over the afflicted eye in the morning, it may be difficult to open that eye. The person may appear to have enlarged eyes and be sensitive to light.

Conjunctivitis spreads quickly and can persist for a long time on surfaces like towel hangers, tissues, and doorknobs. It can also quickly spread in poorly ventilated areas. When experiencing conjunctivitis, one should refrain from touching anything after coming into contact with their eyes. Sharing private objects is not advised if you have an eye infection.

The main symptoms of Conjuctivitus are given below.

– Redness

– Tearing

– Discharge

– Itching

– Swelling of eyelids

– Sensitivity to Light

– Pain

– Some may have Blurry Vision

There are a lot of mis-conseptions related to eye flu that it can be transmitted by staring into one`s eyes or contact between two individuals like other viruses or flus but these are simply not true.

If it doesn’t transmit by staring into one’s eyes then how does it spread?

Eye infections, commonly referred to as eye flu or conjunctivitis, can spread through various means. The exact mode of transmission can vary depending on the specific cause of the infection (viral, bacterial, or allergic conjunctivitis). Here are some common ways eye infections can spread:

• Direct contact: The most common way eye infections spread is through direct contact with an infected person’s eye secretions or respiratory droplets. When an infected person touches their eyes or sneezes/coughs without covering their mouth and nose, the virus or bacteria can be present on their hands or in the droplets. If you come into contact with these contaminated fluids and then touch your eyes, you can contract the infection.

• Indirect contact: Eye infections can also spread indirectly. For instance, if an infected person touches their eyes and then touches a doorknob, a computer keyboard, or any other surface, the virus or bacteria can survive on that surface for some time. If you touch the contaminated surface and then touch your eyes, you may get infected.

Here are some of the preventive methods to prevent it.

• Do not share personal items: Avoid sharing items such as towels, pillow cases, eye drops, or make-up with others, as these items can easily spread the infection.

• Clean and disinfect: Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that may come into contact with your eyes, such as eyeglasses, contact lenses and their cases.

• Proper contact lens care: If you wear contact lenses, follow proper guidelines recommended by your eye care professional.

• Avoid rubbing your eyes: Rubbing your eyes can transfer bacteria or viruses from your hands to your eyes, potentially causing an infection.

• Use tissues: Cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or elbow when you cough or sneeze to prevent the spread of germs.

• Stay home if you are sick: If you have symptoms of an eye infection or any illness, avoid going to work, school or public places to prevent spreading the germs.

• Seek medical help as soon as possible if the disease gets worse.