Red, Itchy, Watery? Eye Flu Symptoms You Shouldn’t Ignore

Eye flu (viral conjunctivitis) is a fast-spreading (contagious) eye infection that thrives in humid weather, especially during monsoons. It causes redness, irritation, and watery discharge, often affecting both eyes in quick succession. Early recognition of symptoms is key to managing the infection and preventing its spread. This guide breaks down everything you need to know, from signs and causes to home remedies and eye flu cure tips.

What is Eye Flu?

Eye flu is a viral conjunctivitis infection of the eye that leads to irritation and redness. It is easily transmitted either by person-to-person contact or via contaminated surfaces. Watery eyes, itching, and swelling are some symptoms. It clears up on its own, in most cases, within one week.

What Causes Eye Flu?

Conjunctivitis, or eye flu, occurs when the eye’s outer layer gets inflamed due to infections, allergies, or irritants.

1. Viral Infections: This is the most common cause, and it is usually associated with adenovirus, which results in watery discharge and redness.
2. Bacterial Infections: It is a type of infectious disease caused by bacteria such as Staphylococcus or Streptococcus, and the discharge becomes thick and yellow or green.
3. Allergic Reactions: Caused by an allergen like pollen, dust or pet dander, which will cause an itchy watery condition of the eye. It is usually not contagious.

What are the Eye Flu Symptoms?

Eye flu symptoms often include redness, itching, and watery discharge, making daily tasks uncomfortable and vision blurry.

• Probably the most common symptom of a viral conjunctivitis eye flu, and the most noticeable symptom is pink or red eyes caused by inflamed blood vessels.
• Watery, teary eyes and the constant feeling of grittiness or irritation make the eyes difficult to keep open.
• Burning, itchiness, and light sensitivity (photophobia) that get exacerbated by contact with sunlight or intense lights inside, and it interferes with daily activities.
• The discharge in eye flu may be clear, watery in viral conjunctivitis, or thick and coloured in bacterial infection, causing sticky awakening of eyelids.
• Puffy eyes, which become heavy, are somewhat painful to open in the morning, and eyelashes are crusted together because of dried mucus.
• The symptoms present themselves initially in one eye, and within a period of a day or two, they spread to the other eye because viral conjunctivitis, or eye flu, is contagious.

These eye flu symptoms may also be associated with mild headache or body aches, especially when they involve a viral respiratory infection.

How Does Eye Flu Spread?

Common transmission methods are:

• Hand-to-eye contact either through touching contaminated surfaces or after close contact, which is one of the most common ways through which how eye flu spreads.
• Cough or sneeze respiratory drops, which can cause the transmission of eye flu in a short time, among people in crowded areas.
• The use of wash towels or pillowcases, eye-care tools, or other such shared materials is another way of transmitting eye flu, either in the household or in a hostel.
• The CDC states that the viral pink eye is contagious until the discharge stops, and it can take up to two weeks or longer to heal.

How to Treat Eye Flu?

Eye flu treatment depends mainly on its cause, such as bacterial flu, viral flu or allergies. In the most common type of conjunctivitis, viral, no specific antiviral drug is used except in cases of the herpes virus infection. Therapy is aimed at reducing the eye flu symptoms:

• Artificial Tears Lubricating Eye Drops: These also alleviate the symptoms of the eye flu, such as irritation, dryness, and gritty sensations in the eyes.
• Warm or Cold Lints: Cold compresses diminish itching and swellings, whereas warm compresses are used to loosen the crusts and clean the discharge efficiently.
• Antibiotic Eye Drops (in case of Bacterial Eye Flu): In cases of bacteria causing eye flu symptoms, the antibiotic eye drops, which are administered by a doctor, could help the infection last a shorter duration.
• Antihistamine Eye Drops (for Allergic Conjunctivitis): These alleviate watery eyes, itching and burning red eyes due to allergies.

Essential Precautions for Eye Flu

To manage and prevent eye flu spread, simple hygiene steps and targeted treatments play a vital role.

• Rigorous Hygiene Handling: Usually wash your hands with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, and particularly after contacting your eyes.
• Rubbing/Touching eyes: Never share or carry travel makeup, linens, or eye-care items.
• Wash often: Towels, pillow cases, and wash clothes should be washed in hot water frequently.
• Throw away used products: Say goodbye to used contacts, solutions, and eye-cosmetics.
• Keep yourself at home when sick: Stay out of contact with others until you feel well.
• Do not wear contacts and eye makeup: Stop wearing lenses or putting on makeup until you are fully healed of the eye flu to avert a relapse and aggravation of symptoms.

Read More: Waking Up with the “Eye Gunk” is Normal?

Conclusion

Recognising eye flu symptoms early and understanding how viral conjunctivitis spreads can significantly reduce its impact. In most cases, it clears on its own with hygiene, rest, and simple remedies. However, if symptoms worsen or persist, consult a doctor for proper diagnosis and treatment. Good hygiene, eye safety, and awareness remain your best defence against eye flu outbreaks.

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