Understanding Eye Flu Symptoms, Causes And Treatment Options

In the human body, the eyes are the most sensitive part. But in our fast-paced lives, we neglect eye health. In this digital era, we are mostly surrounded by digital devices, screens, and environmental pollution as well that affects our eyes. These things can cause various eye-related problems and the eye flu is one of those severe issues.

Eye flu, medically known as conjunctivitis, is a common eye infection that occurs during monsoon mainly. It affects the external membrane of the eyeball and the inner eyelid.

In this condition, you may experience redness, itchiness, and watery discharge that cause discomfort and disruption in daily activities. However, this condition is not that severe and can be managed with proper care and treatment. This post will discuss the causes, symptoms, and treatments of eye flu.

Understanding Viral Eye Flu Symptoms: Signs of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a viral infection caused by bacteria or allergic reactions. Various types of conjunctivitis come with various symptoms. Some of the common eye flu symptoms are:

• Gritty feeling in the eyes.
• Pink eyes or red-toned eyes.
• Thick, watery discharge on eyes during the night.
• Unexplained tear production.
• Itching and burning sensation of eyes.
• Discharge of pus or mucus.
• Crusting of eyelids or lashes in the morning.

Conjunctivitis, or the viral eye flu varies from one type to another. There are mainly three types of conjunctivitis that include allergic, infectious, and chemical eye flu. According to the different types, the symptoms differ.

Symptoms of bacterial eye flu:

• Ear infection.
• Pus discharge that sticks the eyelids together.

Symptoms of allergic eye flu:

• Intense eye itching, swelling, and tearing.
• Allergic symptoms like an itchy nose, sneezing, or scratchy throat.

Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis:

• Watery discharge from eyes.
• Cold, flu, and respiratory infection.
• It starts in one eye and spreads to the other eye.

Types of Eye Flu

Several types of eye flu have different symptoms and characteristics. The different kinds of eye flu are:

Bacterial conjunctivitis

Bacterial infections such as Streptococcus pneumonia or Staphylococcus aureus are the main reasons behind bacterial eye flu. It occurs of poor hand hygiene, touching eyes with unwashed hands, or sharing contaminated items. With this eye flu, you may experience a thick yellow or green discharge and crusting of the eyelids.

Viral Conjunctivitis

Adenovirus is the main reason behind viral conjunctivitis. This eye flu can spread easily through respiratory droplets or by touching surfaces contaminated with the virus. It is highly contagious as well. Viral eye flu affects both the eyes and results in redness, watery discharge, irritation, and light sensitivity.

Allergic Conjunctivitis

Allergic conjunctivitis doesn't occur from an infection. Usually, an allergic reaction to allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust mites, or eye drops causes this type of conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis causes redness, itching, tearing, and swelling of the eyelids and it is not contagious.

Chemical conjunctivitis

If the conjunctiva comes into contact with irritants or chemicals like fumes, smoke, chlorine, or any harsh cleaning products, you will experience chemical conjunctivitis. Chemical eye flu is not infectious. However, it causes irritation, redness, and discomfort in the eyes.

Causes of flus in eyes

Eye flu is characterized by the inflammation of the conjunctiva. This transparent layer covers the white part of the eyes and the inner surface of the eyelids. You may experience various symptoms due to eye flu that result in discomfort, irritation, and redness of the eyes. Hence, understanding the eye flu causes is important to prevent its spread and ensure timely treatment. Let's explore the causes of flus in eyes:

Bacterial infections: Bacterial conjunctivitis is a prime cause of eye flu. Different bacteria like Streptococcus pneumonia, Haemophilus influenza, and Staphylococcus aureus are responsible for bacterial eye infections. This particular eye infection occurs when these bacteria enter the eye through poor hand hygiene, sharing towels or makeup, or touching eyes with dirty hands. This type of conjunctivitis affects one or both eyes.

Allergies: This non-infectious eye flu occurs due to an allergic reaction. Various allergens like pet dander, pollen, dust mites, certain eye drops, and mold spores usually cause allergies. Unlike bacterial and viral conjunctivitis, this type of conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Newborn conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis happens during delivery. This condition is known as neonatal conjunctivitis. Newborn conjunctivitis requires prompt medical attention to prevent complications and protect the baby's vision.

Viral infections: Viral infections are one of the most prominent reasons for eye flu. Viral conjunctivitis is mainly triggered by adenoviruses that is also responsible for common cold and upper respiratory infections. Viral conjunctivitis spreads through contact with respiratory droplets from an infected person or by touching contaminated surfaces. This eye flu is highly contagious and affects both of the eyes simultaneously.

Contact lens wear: People who wear contact lenses, are prone to developing flu, especially if they don't follow proper hygiene practices. Contaminated contact lenses introduce harmful bacteria or viruses to the eyes. Hence, contact lens wearers must maintain strict hygiene routines, like proper lens cleaning, regular replacement, and disinfection of the lenses.

Environmental irritants: Some environmental factors cause the eye flu symptoms. If you are exposed to air pollution, smoke, chlorine, or other harsh chemicals, you may face temporary conjunctivitis or discomfort. These irritants may cause the eyes to become red, watery, and itchy.

The treatment for the different types of conjunctivitis

When it comes to preventing eye flu, there are various treatment options available. Here, we will share both medical treatments and home remedies.

Medical treatments

• If you have bacterial conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointments, to clear the infection. You must follow the prescribed dosage and complete the entire course of treatment to get rid of the eye flu.
• If you face eye flu due to allergies, your doctor may prescribe antihistamine eye drops or oral medications. It will help you alleviate the symptoms by reducing the allergic response. The decongestant eye drops may relieve the redness and swelling.
• Viral conjunctivitis that occurs due to herpes simplex virus can be treated with antiviral medications. This type of conjunctivitis is less common.
• In cases of severe inflammation, the doctor may prescribe steroid eye drops to reduce swelling and discomfort.
• Your doctor can prescribe over-the-counter lubricants that will alleviate dryness and irritation. You can use these eye drops to keep your eyes lubricated and comfortable. Also, you can use the over-the-counter available pain relievers to manage discomfort associated with eye flu.

At-home remedies

• You can apply a warm compress to the affected eye to soothe irritation and reduce swelling. Make sure to use a clean, warm cloth and apply it gently to the closed eye for a few minutes. You can use it several times a day.

  
• Make sure to maintain good hygiene to prevent the spread of infection. Clean your hands frequently, avoid touching your eyes, and do not share personal items like makeup or towels.
• If you experience allergic conjunctivitis, a cold compress will be helpful to provide relief from swelling and itching. You can use a warm compress as well as per your preference.
• Stay away from dust, smoke, and other environmental irritants that may increase the eye flu symptoms. If you wear contact lenses, you can switch to glasses until the infection clears up. Contact lens wearers, need to clean the store the lenses properly.

Final Words

Seasonal eye flu can be an unpleasant condition. Hence, you must understand the symptoms, treatments, and preventive measures of seasonal eye allergies. Here, we have mentioned all the possible reasons and solutions for conjunctivitis. Make sure to follow the solutions and maintain precautions as well to avoid eye flu.

FAQs

How long does the eye flu last?

Usually, the acute flu takes around 2 to 3 days to go away. In severe cases, it takes up to 10 to 15 days, depending on the symptoms of the flu.

What is the fastest way to cure eye flu?

Warm compress is considered the fastest way to cure eye flu.

What flu affects the eyes?

Eye flu or conjunctivitis affects the eyes.

* * Medical Disclaimer - The following information is for educational purposes only. No information provided on this website, including text, graphic, and images, are intended as substitutes for professional medical advice. Please consult with your doctor about specific medical advice pertaining to your condition(s).