Eye Flu
The term “eye flu” is frequently used to refer to conjunctivitis, a specific kind of eye illness. Due to the characteristic reddening of the eyes that occurs with this disorder, it is also commonly referred to as “pink eye.” The thin, transparent layer of tissue that covers the front of the eye and lines the inside of the eyelids is called the conjunctiva, and conjunctivitis is an inflammation of that tissue.
Conjunctivitis causes:
1.The most prevalent type of eye flu is viral conjunctivitis, which is brought on by viruses including adenovirus, herpes simplex virus, and others. High levels of contagiousness make viral conjunctivitis spreadable through direct or indirect contact with infected eye fluids.
2.Bacterial Conjunctivitis: Staphylococcus or Streptococcus infections, which are frequently the cause of bacterial infections, can result in conjunctivitis. Additionally infectious, bacterial conjunctivitis can spread when contaminated hands or items come into contact with healthy people.
3.Conjunctivitis caused by allergies can develop when pollen, pet dander, or dust mite stings come into contact with the eyes. It has a common link to seasonal allergens but is not contagious.
Conjunctivitis symptoms include:
- Having red eyes
- The feeling of scratching or grit in the eyes
- inflammation of the eyelids
- Light sensitivity (photophobia)
- eyeballs that are discharged with water or mucus
- eyelash crunching, particularly in bacterial conjunctivitis
Prevention and treatment:
The cause of conjunctivitis determines the course of treatment:
1.Viral conjunctivitis: In most cases, viral conjunctivitis goes away on its own without needing any special care. Artificial tears and cold compresses can ease discomfort.
2.Bacterial Conjunctivitis: To treat bacterial conjunctivitis, antibiotic eye drops or ointments are commonly used.
3.The easiest way to prevent allergic conjunctivitis is to stay away from the allergen that causes the symptoms. Oral or ocular drops containing over-the-counter antihistamines may be used to treat symptoms.
In order to stop conjunctivitis from spreading:
- Wash your hands often, especially after touching your face or eyes.
- Do not touch or rub your eyes.
- Share your towels, pillowcases, and makeup privately.
- Stay at home until the symptoms go away, particularly if you have bacterial or viral conjunctivitis.
Consult with an eye care specialist for correct diagnosis and treatment if you think you may have conjunctivitis or are having eye irritation. They can assist in identifying the origin of the eye flu and suggest suitable treatments to effectively manage the illness.