According to experts, increased humidity, viral and bacterial infections, dirty water, and close eye contact between people during the monsoon season are the main causes of the rapid spread of eye flu. This infection spreads easily in homes, schools, offices, and public places. Therefore, it is crucial to protect your eyes and take timely precautions.
Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the thin membrane that covers the white part of the eye and the inner lining of the eyelids. This infection can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies. This condition causes redness, watery eyes, and sometimes a sticky discharge. This condition spreads more rapidly in children because they touch their eyes frequently.
Eye flu can cause a variety of eye symptoms. These include redness, persistent watering, itching, burning, stinging, swollen eyelids, sticky discharge, and difficulty with light. If you experience these symptoms, don’t be negligent.
During the rainy season, humidity in the atmosphere increases, which can rapidly promote the growth of viruses and bacteria. Contact with rainwater, dust, and pollution can cause eye irritation and infection. Furthermore, increased contact in crowded areas can lead to the rapid spread of viral conjunctivitis.
Experts believe that hand hygiene is one of the most effective ways to prevent eye flu. People unknowingly touch their faces and eyes many times throughout the day, allowing bacteria on their hands to easily reach the eyes. Therefore, it’s important to wash hands regularly with soap and water and avoid touching or rubbing the eyes unnecessarily. Repeated eye rubbing can spread the infection from one eye to the other.
Eye flu can cause swelling and heaviness in the eyes. Soaking a clean cloth in cold water and applying it to closed eyelids can provide relief. This helps reduce redness and swelling. However, special care should be taken to ensure the cleanliness of the cloth or towel used.
Eye cosmetic products should also be used with caution during and after an eye flu. Old mascara, eyeliner, and eyeshadow can accumulate bacteria, increasing the risk of re-infection.
Many people start using antibiotic eye drops without consulting a doctor as soon as their eyes become red. However, not every conjunctivitis is bacterial. Viral eye flu often resolves on its own, while bacterial infections require prescription medication. Therefore, avoid using any type of eye drops without consulting a doctor.
If a person has eye flu, they should immediately stop wearing contact lenses. Wearing contact lenses during an infection can increase eye irritation and prolong the infection.
Eye flu is highly contagious, so it’s important to avoid close contact with others while you’re infected. Special attention should be paid to personal hygiene at home, school, or work to prevent the spread of the infection.