Eye Flu Symptoms and Treatment

Eye flu, also called conjunctivitis, is a common eye condition that affects people of all ages. Sometimes we don’t even think about it, how much work we are taking from our eyes. Just a little bit of dust can affect our eyes a lot, but still, we are chasing technology and forgetting to care for the most beautiful organ of the body. Then we are confronted with the worst possible situation and the name is “Eye Flu” or “Viral conjunctivitis”. This problem is just a menace that causes too much trouble, not just for you but for every person you are interacting with while having conjunctivitis disease. This disease spreads too quickly and affects a person immediately, the effect of eye flu is crucial, especially for children. And that’s why you should recognize the eye flu symptoms as soon as you can before it can grab the person. If this disease surrounds you, then you should get the best eye flu treatment for better recovery. 

What is Eye Flu?

This disease is called by two different names: ‘Viral conjunctivitis’ and ‘Eye Flu’, this disease causes redness, itching, and irritation of the eyes. This disease occurs especially in the monsoon season when viruses and bacteria can easily attack our eyes. Eye irritation can also be caused using unclean contact lenses, glasses, or towels, as well as by the harsh chemicals included in some eye drops and chemicals. Extremely contagious, eye flu causes painful conjunctival swelling. This disease especially affects children in the rainy season, that’s why safety precautions are necessary for the kids.

Causes of Eye Flu

Here are a few reasons which cause eye flu:

Viral Infections

Eye flu, or conjunctivitis, can be triggered by viral infections like adenoviruses. These viruses inflame the conjunctiva (the clear tissue covering the eye's surface) leading to redness, irritation, and discharge.

Attack of Bacteria

Bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus can infect the eye, causing bacterial conjunctivitis. This results in symptoms like pus-like discharge, gritty feeling, and crusting of the eyelids.

Allergic Reactions

Allergens like pollen, dust, or pet dander can lead to allergic conjunctivitis. The immune response causes itching, redness, and excessive tearing in the eyes.

Environmental Factors

Exposure to smoke, pollutants, or chemicals can irritate the eyes, leading to conjunctivitis symptoms such as redness, discomfort, and watering.

Viral or Bacterial Spread

Eye flu can spread through direct contact with infected hands, surfaces, or objects. Viruses or bacteria can then enter the eye, causing infection.

Poor Hygiene Habits

Touching the eyes with unwashed hands or sharing personal items like towels can introduce pathogens to the eye, causing conjunctivitis and its associated discomfort.

What are the Eye flu symptoms and treatment?

Before we reach the information of eye flu treatment, we should recognize the eye infection symptoms for primary precaution and here are some eye flu symptoms as mentioned below: 

Eye Flu Symptoms

Redness

The hallmark of eye flu is, redness occurs when the blood vessels in the conjunctiva (the clear layer covering the eye) become dilated and inflamed. This gives the eye a pink or bloodshot appearance.

Itching

Persistent itching is often caused by allergens or irritants triggering an immune response in the eye. Rubbing the itchy eyes can worsen the condition and increase inflammation.

Watery Discharge

Excessive tearing or watery discharge is a natural response to irritation. This can wash away foreign particles or irritants, but in the eye flu, it can be more pronounced due to inflammation.

Pus-like Discharge

Bacterial conjunctivitis can lead to the production of a thick, yellow, or greenish discharge. This discharge can cause the eyelids to stick together, especially upon waking up.

Burning Sensation

Irritation and inflammation in the eye can give rise to a burning or stinging sensation. This discomfort can vary in intensity and may be more noticeable in certain conditions like viral conjunctivitis.

Sensitivity to Light

Known as photophobia, this symptom is often associated with viral conjunctivitis. The inflamed eye becomes more sensitive to light, leading to discomfort in well-lit environments.

Crusty Eyelids

Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis can cause the edges of the eyelids to become sticky and crusted, particularly after periods of sleep. Crusty eyelids are a result of dried discharge.

Conjunctival Swelling

The conjunctiva may become swollen due to increased blood flow and inflammation. This can contribute to discomfort and a feeling of fullness in the eye.

Even while these eye infection symptoms are typical for conjunctivitis, other eye disorders might also cause them. It is advised to visit a doctor for a correct diagnosis and treatment if the symptoms persist or worsen.

Eye Flu Treatment

Hygiene and Warm Compresses: Maintain good eye hygiene by washing your hands frequently and avoiding touching your eyes. Applying warm compresses can help soothe discomfort, reduce swelling, and gently remove crusts from the eyelids.

Prescription Medications: For bacterial eye flu, an eye doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments to combat the infection and manage symptoms like discharge and redness.

Antihistamines: If the eye flu is due to allergies, antihistamine eye drops, or oral medications can help alleviate itching, redness, and other allergic reactions.

Avoid Irritants: Minimize exposure to smoke, dust, and other irritants that can worsen eye flu symptoms. Protect your eyes from wind and harsh weather conditions.

Cool Compresses: In cases of viral conjunctivitis, applying cool compresses can help reduce inflammation and provide relief from discomfort and swelling.

Wear glasses: If you wear contact lenses, temporarily switch to glasses until your symptoms resolve. Properly clean and disinfect your lenses before using them again.

Rest and Recovery: Give your eyes ample rest and avoid activities that may strain or worsen your symptoms. Taking sufficient sleep and a healthy lifestyle can aid in the healing process.

Professional Guidance: Consult an eye care specialist for accurate diagnosis and personalized treatment. Follow their recommendations closely and attend follow-up appointments as needed.

It is essential to consult a doctor before beginning any treatment. Even though many cases of eye flu can clear up without treatment, complications can be avoided with a professional diagnosis and supervision.

Home Remedies To Prevent Eye Flu Symptoms

  • Avoid touching your eyes continuously while having eye flu and wash your eyes 6 to 7 times a day for preventing viral conjunctivitis.
  • Use clean towels and try not to provide your towels and clothes in social places like gyms, pools, etc because viruses can spread easily through public sharing. 
  • Don’t use eye makeup while having conjunctivitis and stop wearing contact lenses till your eye will not recover properly. 

When Should You Go to the Doctor?

Reddish Eyes & Blurry Vision

Continuous or worsening eye redness, discomfort, and irritation despite home remedies. Blurred vision, double vision, or sudden vision changes. Then you should need to see a doctor before it gets more 

Lots of Pain and swelling

Severe pain in the eye accompanied by sensitivity to light (photophobia), Swelling, or puffiness around the eyes that doesn't go down. 

Unstoppable Tearing

Excessive tearing or discharge from the eye that is yellow or green, if you have a weakened immune system, diabetes, or other medical conditions that could complicate eye infections. 

Children's safety

Symptoms in a young child, as eye flu can be more serious in children, that’s why you should keep an appointment with a good doctor for your children's better health. 

Conclusion

When we got to the end of this blog, we knew the facts about Eye Flu or viral conjunctivitis. There are a lot of things to think about, but first, we should think about how to avoid getting this infection and recognize these symptoms as soon as we can. This is the only way you can stop being affected by this infection, keep good hygiene for better health. If you feel any of these symptoms, then you could try home remedies for precaution. But if you are already affected by this infection then you can do only one thing: consult with a good doctor. Because this infection spreads quickly and can affect many people, so keep yourself safe from this infection and be healthy. 

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