Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) is highly contagious, be careful in spring and summer

This is an automatically translated article.

The article was professionally consulted by BSCK I Le Thi Phuong Thao - Eye Unit - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.
Viral conjunctivitis (pink eye) is an inflammation of the transparent membrane on the surface of the eyeball (the white of the eye) and the conjunctiva of the eyelids. The disease causes pain, swelling, itching, red eyes, watery eyes, rusty eyes, can reduce vision... The disease is contagious, especially in the summer, can break out into a large outbreak during this time. short. Anyone can get the disease, from children, adults to the elderly. The human body does not produce lifelong immunity to conjunctivitis, so a person can get conjunctivitis more than once.

1. Is conjunctivitis pink eye?

Viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye. Disease caused by the adenovirus group. The virus can survive on the surface of utensils and tools for 35 days, can be transmitted through contact with saliva, rusty eyes of the sick... Therefore, the disease is very contagious, especially with family members who are in frequent contact with the sick person.

2. Symptoms and manifestations of viral conjunctivitis

There may be mild fever, sore throat, swollen lymph nodes, red eyes, maybe 1 or 2 eyes, a lot of rust in the eyes, feeling of burning, hot and itchy eyes, fear of light.... Some patients even have tears, decreased vision.

3. Treatment

When there are abnormal eye symptoms, the patient should see an eye doctor immediately for timely treatment, avoiding complications if left late. Absolutely do not self-treat according to oral methods, or online, do not smoke betel leaves, do not steam all kinds of leaves, do not apply onions, do not drip breast milk... into your eyes. Do not self-medicate without a doctor's prescription because it may make the disease worse. The wrong treatment of the disease, the wrong medicine leads to unpredictable consequences: reduced vision, corneal ulcers, even blindness.
For viral conjunctivitis requiring systemic treatment and ocular treatment

3.1 Systemic treatment

Eat enough nutrients: Starch, fiber, protein, fat. Should not be too abstinence leading to weakness in the body, making the disease take a long time to heal. Need to improve body health and immunity: You can take multivitamin supplements or fruit smoothies of oranges, lemons, grapefruits... except for foods that the patient has a history of allergies should wear a mask. medical page. Should be isolated properly because the disease is transmitted through contact. Get enough sleep so that the eyes have enough time to rest to help the disease heal. Minimize electronic devices during illness. Wear windshields and dust. Avoid contact with smoke: incense smoke, kitchen smoke, charcoal smoke, car smoke because it is easy to irritate the eyes.... Avoid swimming or dirty water in the sick eyes Do not rub, rub your eyes because it will hurt damage to the cornea (iron) affects vision and the disease becomes more severe

3.2 Treatment of the eye

Use prescription medication prescribed by an eye doctor, depending on the condition and damage to the eye, the doctor will prescribe appropriate treatment for each patient such as antibiotics, anti-inflammatory, artificial tears.. Eye drops can be liquid, suspension, ointment, or gel. Time, dose, and frequency of application should be adhered to exactly as prescribed by the doctor. Follow the correct way to apply the medication: Do not touch the tip of the medication. into the eyes. For liquid drops from 1-2 drops; ointment, gel about 1cm into the same lower eyelid. Avoid looking out of the eyes causing slurry, discomfort Always follow up with your doctor's appointment to control the progression of the disease. If there are abnormalities such as eye symptoms that are worse, more painful, more swollen, pink, bleeding, or abnormal with medication, you need to see your doctor immediately or call your doctor for advice. timely

4. Prevention of viral conjunctivitis

● Maintain personal hygiene and clean eyes, wash eyes with 0.9% physiological saline daily.
Use your own towel. Hands should be washed with soap after touching public objects or risk contact with sick people.

● Avoid getting dirty water, dust or chemicals (shampoo, shower gel...) in your eyes
● Eat enough nutrients, supplement vitamin C from fruits
● Limit exposure in public places to avoid the spread of disease. You should wear a medical mask, especially during the epidemic season.
● If you go swimming, you should choose clean, standard swimming pools. Pay attention to use swimming goggles and immediately after swimming should wash your eyes a lot with physiological saline solution of 0.9% NaCl.
● Especially for the family of the patient with pink eye: Prevention as mentioned above, absolutely do not automatically use the same medicine of the patient or different drugs for prevention even though the eyes have no symptoms or have symptoms without Haven't seen a doctor yet. Implementing the isolation mode through contact is still the best. Example: Wear a mask even at home, don't hug or kiss others - especially babies, wash your hands with soap or with a quick hand sanitizer before putting in eye drops or touching an infected eye .
● Clean the house, open the ventilation door. Keeping the living environment clean will reduce the risk of community infectious diseases.
The Eye Unit of the Department of Eye, Ear, Nose, Throat and Maxillofacial and Oral Medicine, Vinmec International General Hospital has the function of comprehensive eye and vision health care for children, adults and the elderly, including monitoring. check for refractive errors, physical examination, diagnostic ultrasound, laser treatment and surgery. Besides disease, the Eye Unit also has the task of coordinating with other clinical departments in the treatment of pathological complications and accidental eye injuries, including acute conjunctivitis.

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