If you’ve ever opened your eyes to find them red and itching or awakened to a stinging sensation that persists all day, you may have had what most people refer to as eye flu. Although “eye flu” is not a medical diagnosis, it’s a name many use to label an illness called conjunctivitis or pink eye.
In this blog, we will be discussing everything you want to know about eye flu — from how to recognize the symptoms to curing it at home, knowing whether it’s contagious or not, and learning how to avoid it in the first place.
Read Also: WHAT IS DRY EYE SYNDROME: CAUSES, SYMPTOMS, RISK FACTORS, TREATMENT
What Is Eye Flu?
Eye flu is a common name for viral conjunctivitis, or infection or inflammation of the thin membrane (conjunctiva) covering the white of the eyes and the eyelids. It’s usually brought on by viruses, bacteria, or allergies and results in watery, swollen, and red eyes.
Even though the name might seem serious, eye flu typically is mild and resolves on its own within several days to one week. Though, it could be extremely annoying and highly infectious, particularly in cases caused by a virus.
Read Also: How to Improve Eyesight Naturally? Eye Care Tips
What Are the Symptoms of Eye Flu?
If you notice these eye flu symptoms early, it can help you cope with it more effectively and prevent it from spreading to other people. They are typically marked by:
- Redness in either or both eyes
- Watery or sticky discharge (can be white, yellow, or green)
- Itchiness or burning
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Sandpaper sensation (as if there is something stuck in your eye)
- Sensitivity to light
- Crusting on the eyelids, particularly upon waking
- In viral eye flu, the discharge is typically watery and clear. If it’s yellow or thick, it could be bacterial. If both eyes are involved and you also have nasal or sneezing symptoms, allergies might be responsible.
What Causes Eye Flu?
There are a variety of eye flu causes, and awareness of them can help you prevent getting infected:
- Viral Infection
This is the most prevalent cause and commonly occurs from contact with contaminated hands, towels, or water. It can also occur as a sequel to a cold or flu.
- Bacterial Infection
Less frequent but more severe. Affects mainly children and may lead to thick, yellow discharge.
- Allergies
Pollen, dust, smoke, or pet dander may cause allergic conjunctivitis, which is not infectious.
- Irritants
Smoke, chlorine from swimming pools, or chemical exposure may also cause temporary inflammation of the eyes.
Conjunctivitis due to viruses and bacteria is infectious, whereas allergic and irritant-related eye flu is not.
Is Eye Flu Contagious?
Yes, eye flu is contagious — at least in cases caused by a virus or bacteria. It’s easily spread by:
- Touching infected eyes and touching surfaces afterward
- Sharing eye drops, towels, or makeup
- Sneezing or coughing (if it’s a viral infection)
- You can pass it to others for as long as you have symptoms, especially in the first few days. That’s why it’s very important to maintain good hygiene and avoid close contact when you have an eye infection.
How Long Does Eye Flu Last?
The duration of eye flu depends on the cause and your immune system:
- Viral eye flu usually lasts 5 to 7 days, but sometimes up to 2 weeks
- Bacterial eye flu will last 3 to 5 days if treated, or longer if untreated
- Allergic conjunctivitis can remain as long as the allergen exists
With proper care, most of these solutions are uncomplicated. If more than two weeks, or symptoms get worse, best to have a doctor looked at.
How to Treat Eye Flu at Home?
The majority of cases for eye flu home treatment are straightforward and work effectively. Here is what you should do:
- Apply Warm or Cold Compresses
Soothe irritation with a clean cloth wet with warm water.
If your eyes are puffy, a cold compress can help reduce puffiness.
- Clean Your Eyes Gently
Clean discharge away with a clean cotton pad or tissue.
Always wipe from the inside corner (closer to the nose) outwards.
- Use Artificial Tears
Eye drops available over the counter can relieve dryness and irritation.
- Avoid Contact Lenses
Stop wearing lenses until your eyes heal completely.
- Don’t Share Personal Items
Towels, pillowcases, and eye makeup must be kept personal and washed often.
Home care will generally do the trick, but visit a doctor if symptoms are bad, you feel pain, or your eyesight worsens.
What are Some Home Remedies for Eye Flu?
Some natural home cures for eye flu can offer relief from the discomfort. Make sure always that your hands and equipment are clean before attempting any of these:
- Cucumber slices – Apply over your closed eyes for a cool feeling.
- Rose water – Used as a soothing cleanser. Apply with a clean cotton pad (make sure it is pure and chemical-free).
- Green tea bags – Once steeped and cooled, apply them over the eyes for a relaxing effect.
- Cold milk – Saturating a cotton pad with cold milk and applying it over your eyes might alleviate swelling and itchiness.
Although these treatments can relieve symptoms, they don’t treat the infection, so always use them in conjunction with basic care and hygiene.
What Medicines Are Used for Eye Flu?
If the symptoms are more severe or bacterial in nature, a physician might prescribe eye flu medication, including:
- Antibiotic ointment or drops (for bacterial conjunctivitis)
- Antiviral drugs (rarely necessary unless it’s a particular viral infection such as herpes)
- Antihistamine drops (for eye flu due to allergies)
- Lubricating eye drops that can be bought over the counter for any form of conjunctivitis to alleviate dryness and irritation.
Never share someone’s eye drops, and don’t use steroid drops unless an Rx is given, since they can exacerbate infections if used incorrectly.
How to Cure Eye Flu?
No easy pill to fix eye flu, particularly if it’s viral. But you can help speed up the healing process with:
- Good hygiene
- Rest
- Clean washing of the eyes
- Medication or drops as prescribed by a doctor
Most recover by themselves. The most important thing is not to let it worsen or spread to others. If your symptoms are not getting better after a few days, see your eye doctor.
How to Prevent Eye Flu?
Prevention is always better than cure, particularly with infectious diseases such as eye flu. The following are some tips on how to prevent eye flu:
- Wash your hands frequently with soap and water
- Avoid touching eyes with dirty hands
- Don’t share towels, pillows, and eye makeup
- Disinfect surfaces such as door handles, phones, and keyboards
- Steer clear of swimming in polluted water
- Stay away from those who are infected until they get better
- Take care of your immune system through healthy eating and hydration
- In case someone who lives with you has eye flu, disinfect surfaces often and ensure everyone has their own towel.
When to See a Doctor?
Though mild eye flu can be treated at home, consult a doctor if:
- Symptoms persist for more than 10 days
- Eye pain becomes severe
- Vision is affected
- Discharge turns thick or colored
- Eyelids are glued together or very swollen
- You have eye flu and other symptoms such as fever or rash
- Children, older adults, and those with compromised immunity should not wait to get treatment, as they are more prone to complications.
Conclusion
Though eye flu sounds alarming, most cases are not dangerous. With proper care, clean habits, and a bit of patience, your eyes will be back to normal in no time.
Still, it’s important to treat it seriously — not just to feel better faster, but to stop it from spreading to others. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and treatments of eye flu can help you manage it better and even avoid it altogether.
