You may be aware that eye flu, a seasonal eye allergy, is a common condition in India. It affects millions of people of almost all age groups each year.

Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, can progress from moderate to severe symptoms which include pain, tenderness, itching, etc.

Are you experiencing the above mentioned signs and want to know more about eye flu?

In this blog, Karepedia will be discussing the symptoms of eye flu, how to prevent its spread, and ways to care for yourself or a loved one at home.

Understanding Eye Flu

Eye flu is also called pink eye. The good thing is that it can be managed at home with proper care and precautions. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, or other irritants.

Eye flu is highly contagious and spreads easily not only through direct but indirect contact with infected people or contaminated surfaces.

Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious and is spread by contact with eye secretions from someone who is infected.

Symptoms include redness, itching and tearing of the eyes. It can also lead to discharge or crusting around the eyes.

The main symptoms of eye flu include

• Redness in eyes.

• Irritation in one or both eyes.

• Watery eyes.

• Thick yellow discharge from the eyes.

• Itchiness

• Burning sensation.

• Sensitivity to light

• Swelling of the eyelids.

• Crusty eyelids or lashes, especially in the mornings

Eye flu is the same as conjunctivitis.It is the inflammation of conjunctiva (the transparent membrane that lines the eyelid and covers the white part of the eye). It is the most common during monsoon season.

When To Seek Medical Attention

• Severe pain

• Itching

• Tearing

• Vision changes.

• Symptoms that worsen or continue for more than two weeks.

• Signs of bacterial infection, such as thick yellow or green discharge. Have a weakened immune system

All About Home Care

• Avoid Eye touching or Rubbing: It can further irritate the conjunctiva and spread the infection to the other eye.

• Artificial Tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops (artificial tears) can help keep your eyes moist and reduce dryness and irritation.

• Practice Good Hand Hygiene: Avoid sharing towels, and eye drops, and wash clothes with others to prevent the spread of infection.

• Warm or cold Compresses: Applying warm compress or ice packs to your closed eyes will help to soothe discomfort and reduce swelling. Apply a warm compress for 5 to 10 minutes every day. In some cases, a cold compress helps to reduce the symptoms. Use an ice pack wrapped in a towel and apply for 5 to 10 minutes. This helps to relieve the pain and reduce swelling.

• Avoid Eye Makeup: While having conjunctivitis, avoid using eye makeup, including mascara, eyeliner, and eye shadow, as these can accelerate the irritation and may also be contaminated with bacteria.

• Remove Contact Lenses: If you generally wear contact lenses and have conjunctivitis, wear glasses until the infection clears up.

• Clean Eyeglasses: If you wear glasses, make sure to clean them with mild soap and water to remove any potential contaminants.

• Clean the eye area: Use a damp and clean cloth to gently clean the eye area to remove the discharge. This reduces the risk of spreading infection to others.

• Rest: Get plenty of rest so that the body can fight off the virus.

There are serious eye conditions that can cause eye redness. These conditions may cause eye pain, a feeling that something is stuck in your eye, blurred vision and light sensitivity.

Most cases of pink eye are caused by adenovirus but also can be caused by other viruses, including herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus. In both children and adults, pink eyes can cause inflammation in the cornea that can affect vision.

Newborns' eyes are susceptible to bacteria present in the mother's birth canal. These bacteria often cause no symptoms in the mother.

Types of Conjunctivitis

Viral Conjunctivitis

This type of conjunctivitis is caused by a viral infection, such as the common cold or flu. It can be highly contagious, and symptoms can last up to two weeks.

Viral conjunctivitis can last for up to 14 days. Unlike bacterial conjunctivitis, there is no curative treatment for viral conjunctivitis.

Bacterial Conjunctivitis

This type is caused by a bacterial infection. Symptoms can include a yellowish-green discharge from the eye, and treatment usually involves antibiotics.

Acute bacterial conjunctivitis is primary due to Staphylococcus aureus, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Haemophilus influenzae.

Other pathogens responsible for acute disease are Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Moraxella lacunata, Streptococcus viridans, and Proteus mirabilis.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by allergens such as pollen or pet dander. It can occur seasonally or year-round and is not contagious. Although allergens differ, pollen is a common seasonal cause.

Symptoms consist of eye redness, itching and increased tears.

Treatment includes avoiding the allergen and taking antihistamine medication either by mouth or directly into the eye.

Chemical Conjunctivitis

It is caused by irritants like chemicals or smoke, leading to redness, tearing, and discomfort. Lushing the eye with running water must be done immediately to remove the toxic chemical or liquid.

Mild pink eye can be caused by the chlorine in swimming pools. Most people don't need treatment.

How to Prevent Eye Flu

• Wash hands frequently, especially before touching your eyes.

• Avoid sharing towels, pillows and other personal items to prevent the risk of infection.

• Use protective eyewear whenever possible such as swimming or any other physical activity with eye exposure risk.

• Always practice good hygiene.

• Avoid touching your eyes with your hands frequently.

The eye drops are anti-inflammatory and lubricating eye drops to soothe your eyes and for faster recovery. Antibiotic eye drops are given for superadded bacterial infection, though most conjunctivitis are viral and self-limiting

While there are plenty of home remedies for eye infections that might soothe the symptoms, it’s important to talk to a doctor if you think you have an eye infection.