Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that causes the conjunctiva to become inflamed and red. Learn about the symptoms, causes, treatment, and prevention of eye flu.

Eye Flu: Symptoms, Causes, Treatment, and Prevention

Introduction

Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that causes the conjunctiva (the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids) to become inflamed and red. It is usually caused by a virus, but it can also be caused by bacteria or an allergic reaction.

Symptoms

The symptoms of eye flu include:

• Redness
• Itching
• Watery discharge
• Thick, yellowish discharge
• Sensitivity to light
• Swollen eyelids
• Pain
• Blurred vision

Causes

Eye flu can be caused by a virus, bacteria, or an allergic reaction. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type, and it is usually spread through contact with the fluid from an infected eye, or by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common, but it can be more severe. It is usually spread through contact with the fluid from an infected eye, or by sharing contact lenses or eye makeup. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to something like pollen, dust, or animal dander.

Treatment

There is no specific treatment for eye flu, but the symptoms usually go away on their own within a week or two. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

• Apply warm compresses to your eyes.
• Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.
• Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light.

If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, see your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial infection.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to help prevent eye flu:

• Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• Avoid touching your eyes.
• Do not share eye makeup or contact lenses.
• Clean your contact lenses and contact lens case daily.
• Avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs that are not properly chlorinated.

• Types of eye flu: There are three main types of eye flu: viral, bacterial, and allergic. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common type, and it is usually caused by a virus that is spread through contact with the fluid from an infected eye. Bacterial conjunctivitis is less common, but it can be more severe. It is usually caused by a bacteria that is spread through contact with the fluid from an infected eye, or by sharing contact lenses or eye makeup. Allergic conjunctivitis is caused by an allergic reaction to something like pollen, dust, or animal dander.
• Symptoms of eye flu: The symptoms of eye flu can vary depending on the type of infection. However, some common symptoms include:
  • Redness
  • Itching
  • Watery discharge
  • Thick, yellowish discharge
  • Sensitivity to light
  • Swollen eyelids
  • Pain
  • Blurred vision
• Diagnosis of eye flu: Eye flu is usually diagnosed by a doctor who will examine your eyes and ask about your symptoms. In some cases, the doctor may take a sample of the fluid from your eye to test for bacteria or viruses.
• Treatment of eye flu: There is no specific treatment for eye flu, but the symptoms usually go away on their own within a week or two. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:
  • Apply warm compresses to your eyes.
  • Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.
  • Avoid rubbing your eyes.
  • Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light.
  • If your symptoms are severe or do not improve after a few days, see your doctor. They may prescribe antibiotic eye drops to treat a bacterial infection.
• Prevention of eye flu: There are a few things you can do to help prevent eye flu:
  • Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
  • Avoid touching your eyes.
  • Do not share eye makeup or contact lenses.
  • Clean your contact lenses and contact lens case daily.
  • Avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs that are not properly chlorinated.

Conclusion

Eye flu is a common and usually mild infection. However, it can be more severe in some cases. If you think you have eye flu, it is important to see your doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment.

FAQ about eye flu

What is eye flu?

Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is an infection of the conjunctiva, which is the thin, clear membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inside of the eyelids. 👓

What are the symptoms of eye flu?

The symptoms of eye flu can vary, but they often include:

• 👓 Redness
• 💧 Itching
• 💦 Watery discharge
• 🟡 Thick, yellowish discharge
• ☀️ Sensitivity to light
• 🥴 Swollen eyelids
• 🤕 Pain
• 👓 Blurred vision

How is eye flu spread?

Eye flu is spread through contact with the fluid from an infected eye, or by touching an infected surface and then touching your eyes. 👐

How is eye flu treated?

There is no specific treatment for eye flu, but the symptoms usually go away on their own within a week or two. In the meantime, you can try the following to relieve your symptoms:

• 🧻 Apply warm compresses to your eyes.
• 💧 Use artificial tears or lubricating eye drops.
• 🚫 Avoid rubbing your eyes.
• 👓 Wear sunglasses to protect your eyes from the light.

How can I prevent eye flu?

There are a few things you can do to help prevent eye flu:

• 👐 Wash your hands frequently with soap and water.
• 🚫 Avoid touching your eyes.
• ❌ Do not share eye makeup or contact lenses.
• 🧼 Clean your contact lenses and contact lens case daily.
• ❌ Avoid swimming in pools or hot tubs that are not properly chlorinated.