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Eye Flu: Reasons, Symptoms & Treatments

Eye Flu: Reasons, Symptoms & Treatments

Max Lab

May 05, 2023

Have you ever experienced redness, itching, or irritation in your eyes? If yes, then you might have been a victim of eye flu! Eye flu is a common condition that affects millions of people every year. It's also known as viral conjunctivitis and can be caused by various viruses. The symptoms can range from mild to severe and sometimes even lead to temporary vision loss. In this blog post, we'll discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments for eye flu as well as tips on how to prevent it from spreading further. So let's dive in and learn more about this contagious eye infection!

What is Eye Flu?

Eye flu, also known as viral conjunctivitis, is an infection that affects the eyes. It's caused by a variety of viruses and can spread easily from person to person. The most common type of virus that causes eye flu is adenovirus.

Causes of Eye Flu

Allergies and irritants such as smoke, dust, pollen, pet dander and chemicals are common causes of non-infectious conjunctivitis. In addition, wearing contact lenses for too long or not cleaning them properly can lead to an eye infection.

Newborns may acquire conjunctivitis during birth if their mother has a sexually transmitted infection like chlamydia or gonorrhea. This type of conjunctivitis requires immediate medical attention to prevent serious complications.

Autoimmune disorders and underlying health conditions like rosacea and Kawasaki disease have been linked to chronic cases of conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Eye Flu

Symptoms of eye flu can vary from person to person, but the most common symptoms include redness, swelling, and itching in the eyes. The eyes may also produce a discharge or become watery.

In some cases, patients with eye flu may experience sensitivity to light or blurred vision. It is important to note that these symptoms can be similar to those caused by other conditions such as allergies or conjunctivitis.

If you are experiencing any of these symptoms, it is best to seek medical attention right away. Your doctor will be able to diagnose your condition and provide you with appropriate treatment options.

It is also important to practice good hygiene habits when you have eye flu symptoms. Avoid touching your eyes and wash your hands frequently. Try not to share personal items like towels or pillows with others as this can spread the infection.

Treatment for Eye Flu

When it comes to treating eye flu, the main goal is to alleviate its symptoms and make the patient feel more comfortable. The treatment usually involves a combination of medications and home remedies.

One of the most common treatments for eye flu is using artificial tears or lubricating eye drops. These can help keep the eyes moist and reduce discomfort caused by dryness.

If your doctor determines that bacteria are causing your eye flu, they may prescribe an antibiotic ointment or drops. It's important to take these as directed even if you start feeling better before finishing the entire course.

Warm compresses can also be helpful in reducing swelling and soothing irritated eyes. Simply soak a clean cloth in warm water, wring it out, then place it over your closed eyes for several minutes at a time.

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How to Prevent Eye Flu

Preventing eye flu is essential to avoid the discomfort and inconvenience that comes with it. Here are some useful tips to help you prevent eye flu.

  1. Firstly, maintain good hygiene practices such as washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes with dirty hands. This helps prevent the spread of bacteria or viruses that may cause eye flu.
  2. Secondly, avoid sharing personal items like towels, makeup brushes, contact lenses, or glasses since these can transfer germs from one person to another.
  3. Thirdly, make sure you keep your surroundings clean by regularly wiping surfaces such as doorknobs and countertops with disinfectant wipes. This reduces the risk of transmission of viruses in public places.
  4. Fourthly, ensure adequate ventilation in closed spaces like offices or bedrooms since poor air circulation increases the chances of contracting infections.

When to see a doctor for eye flu

If you suspect that you have eye flu, it is important to seek medical attention from an eye doctor. While some cases of eye flu may clear up on their own within a few days, others can lead to more serious complications if left untreated.

One of the main reasons to see a doctor for eye flu is if your symptoms persist or worsen over time. This could include increased redness, swelling, pain or discharge from the eyes. In some cases, these symptoms may be a sign of a more severe infection that requires prescription medication.

Another reason to see a doctor for eye flu is if you develop additional symptoms such as fever or chills. These could indicate that the infection has spread beyond just your eyes and into other parts of your body.

If you wear contact lenses and develop symptoms of eye flu, it's especially important to see an eye doctor right away. Contact lens wearers are at higher risk for developing serious complications from any type of infection in the eyes.

Conclusion

When it comes to eye flu, prevention is key. Simple measures like washing hands regularly and avoiding touching the eyes can go a long way in keeping this illness at bay. However, should you experience any of the symptoms mentioned above, it’s important to get treatment as soon as possible.

Regular eye checkups are also recommended for overall eye health, as they can help detect any potential problems early on. Additionally, if you wear contact lenses or glasses, make sure to follow proper hygiene practices when handling them.

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ's)

Eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis, is an inflammation of the transparent membrane that covers the white part of your eye and lines your eyelids. It is caused by a viral infection, typically from adenoviruses or other common respiratory viruses.

One common cause is exposure to the adenovirus, which is highly contagious and easily spreads through direct contact with infected individuals or contaminated surfaces. The virus can also be transmitted through respiratory droplets when an infected person coughs or sneezes.

  • Redness in the white part of the eyes.
  • Blurry Vision or Difficulty focusing.
  • Swelling around the eyelids.

One common symptom is excessive tearing or watery discharge from the eyes. You may also experience itchiness and a gritty sensation in your eyes, making them feel uncomfortable and irritated.

The duration of recovery can vary depending on various factors such as the severity of the infection, overall health of the individual, and proper treatment. In most cases, people with eye flu start experiencing relief within a week or two.

Eye pressure is commonly associated with conditions like glaucoma, where there is an imbalance between fluid production and drainage in the eye. However, during a bout of flu, temporary increases in eye pressure due to inflammation are more likely.

Here are some tips for preventing eye flu:

  1. Practice good hygiene
  2. Avoid close contact with sick individuals
  3. Use tissues when coughing or sneezing
  4. Clean and disinfect surfaces regularly

 

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