3. Conjunctivitis/ Eye Flu
Most cases are caused by
common viruses - often the
same ones that cause coughs
and colds
4. Conjunctivitis/ Eye Flu
Infective conjunctivitis is not
serious and clears within a week or
so without leaving any permanent
damage to the eye
5. Symptoms
It usually involves both eyes
though occasionally it may start in
one eye which later spreads to the
other over a few days
6. Symptoms
The eye is red or pink and is
associated with grittiness
and soreness
7. Symptoms
The eyelids become swollen,
and are often stuck together
with gluey material
('discharge') after a sleep
8. Treatment
•Not treatment is an option for mild infections as it
clears on its own within 1-2 weeks.
•Bathing the eyes from inside is not recommended
as it washes off all the germ fighting proteins being
secreted in the tears.
•Lubricant eye drops may be used to reduce eye
discomfort.
10. Prevention
Infective conjunctivitis is contagious and spreads by
touch and through objects touched by infected
hands. To prevent spread to other people:
•Wash your hands regularly, particularly after
touching your eyes.
•Do not share towels, pillows, handkerchiefs or
utensils.
11. When to go to Doctor
All case should be screened to confirm the
diagnosis especially when patient develops ::
•Marked eye pain.
•Intolerance to light (photophobia).
•Spots or blisters on the skin next to the eye.
•Blurring of vision which does not improve
with blinking.
12. Does a patient need to stay off school / work?
The safest approach to avoid
spread is to stay home until
there is no longer any
discharge from the eye(s)
13. Does a patient need to stay off school / work?
Viral conjunctivitis spreads
easily between people.
Younger children, who may
not remember to wash their
hands or avoid touching their
eyes, should probably not
attend school until the
discharge has resolved.
14. Does a patient need to stay off school / work?
Older students or
adults may choose
to attend
school/work,
although they
should limit close
contact with others
15. The Lifeline –Hand Washing
Hand washing is an
essential and highly
effective way to
prevent the spread
of infection
16. The Lifeline –Hand Washing
Hands should be wet with
water and plain soap, and
rubbed together for 15 to
30 seconds. It is not
necessary to use
antibacterial hand soap
17. The Lifeline –Hand Washing
Teach children to wash their
hands before and after eating
and after touching the eyes,
coughing, or sneezing.
18. The Lifeline –Hand Washing
Alcohol-based hand rubs are not
effective against the more common
viruses causing conjunctivitis and are
therefore not recommended for
disinfection of hands.
