- By Prerna Targhotra
- Tue, 25 Jul 2023 09:44 AM (IST)
- Source:JND
This year’s monsoon has brought several regions of the country to a standstill. With floods in several parts of the country, the risks of vector-borne diseases have been on the increase. With the Yamuna River crossing the danger water level mark, the risk of conjunctivitis is being reported in Delhi and other states of the country.
What Is Eye Flu Or Conjunctivitis?
According to the Cleveland Clinic, pink eye or conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that causes inflammation of the tissues lining the eyelid (conjunctiva). It’s caused by allergens, irritants, bacteria and viruses, such as coronaviruses that cause the common cold or COVID-19.
It is commonly an inflammation (redness) of the conjunctiva, the clear tissue that lines the inside surface of your eyelid and outer coating of your eye. This tissue helps keep your eyelid and eyeball moist. You can get pink eye from viruses, bacteria, allergens and other causes.
Symptoms Of Pink Eye
The common symptoms of conjunctivitis or pink eye include redness in the white of your eye or inner eyelid, increased tearing, thick yellow discharge that crusts over your eyelashes, especially after sleep, green or white discharge from your eye, gritty feeling in one or both eyes, itchy eyes (especially in pink eye caused by allergies), burning eyes (especially in pink eye caused by chemicals and irritants), blurred vision, increased sensitivity to light and swollen eyelids.
Is Pink Eye Contagious?
Pink eye that happens due to bacteria or viruses is highly contagious because you can spread pink eye before you know you have it. We also all touch our faces and eyes much more than we think. Pink eyes caused by allergies are not contagious, states Cleveland Clinic.
Preventive Measures For Conjunctivitis
It is important to take preventive measures to prevent the spread of eye flu. Some preventive measures for conjunctivitis according to Mayo Clinic include avoiding touching your eyes with your hand, washing your hands often, using a clean towel and washcloth daily, avoiding sharing towels or washcloths, changing your pillowcases often, throwing away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara and avoid sharing eye cosmetics or personal eye care items.
(Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only. It is not a substitute for professional advice, diagnosis or treatment.)