Conjunctivitis, also referred to as 'eye flu', is a widespread eye illness affecting millions worldwide. Despite being a common ailment, there are many untruths and misconceptions. By dispelling some of the most widespread myths regarding eye flu, Dr Ajay Sharma, Chief Medical Director, EyeQ, sheds light on the reality of this frequently misunderstood illness.
Myths and Facts About Eye Flu
Myth 1: Exposure to cold air or cold temperatures causes eye flu
Dr Sharma said, “One of the most pervasive misconceptions regarding eye flu is that it is caused by exposure to cold air or weather. However, the truth is that allergies, irritants, viruses, and bacteria are the causes of ocular flu. Although some viral illnesses may become more common in cold weather, conjunctivitis is not a direct result of the cold weather.” Effective methods for halting the spread of the infection include maintaining proper hygiene and avoiding contact with those afflicted.
Myth 2: Only direct touch can spread the eye illness
Dr Sharma highlighted, “It is a prevalent misconception that the transmission of eye flu requires direct contact with ocular fluids from an infected person. Direct contact is a key mode of transmission, however, surfaces like towels, doorknobs and shared goods can also harbour the virus or bacterium that causes conjunctivitis.” Infection may result from contacting your eyes after touching these contaminated surfaces. Reduce the risk of transmission by regularly cleaning frequently used things and using proper hand hygiene.
Also Read: Monsoon Health: Expert Lists Tips To Prevent Conjunctivitis
Myth 3: Contagiousness for eye flu is never low
Conjunctivitis can spread, however, not all cases are very infectious. Dr Sharma added, “The underlying cause of eye flu affects how contagious it is. The spread of viral conjunctivitis is normally greater than that of bacterial conjunctivitis. Contrarily, allergic conjunctivitis is not at all communicable. To take the proper precautions and administer the right medication, the type of conjunctivitis must be identified.”
According to the Journal of Ophthalmic and Vision Research, nearly half of the population experiences allergic conjunctivitis, which is characterised by itchiness, mucoid discharge, chemosis, and oedema of the eyelids.
Myth 4: You may treat eye flu using home treatments
Although natural treatments like using cold compresses or using herbal medicines may temporarily relieve the symptoms of ocular flu, they cannot treat the underlying problem. Dr Sharma suggested getting competent medical advice for an accurate diagnosis and the best course of care. To properly combat the infection, the doctor may provide antiviral or antibiotic eye drops depending on the underlying cause.
Also Read: How Long Does It Take For Pink Eye To Go Away: The Fastest Way To Treat Conjunctivitis
Myth 5: Eye flu will naturally go away
Dr Sharma said, “While it is true that some conjunctivitis cases may go away on their own, untreated eye flu might result in complications or cause discomfort for a long time.” By seeking medical care, the condition can be diagnosed and managed correctly, thus avoiding complications and lowering your risk of spreading it to others.
Disclaimer
The information in this article is shared by a registered healthcare expert and is for informational purposes only. Hence, we advise you to visit your expert if you notice any symptoms or health complications.
