Is Pink Eye Contagious? Understanding the Risks and Prevention
Are you experiencing redness, swelling, or discharge from the eyes?
These are all the signs of Pink eye, also known as Conjunctivitis.
There are many causes of Pink eye, and some of them are contagious.
A 2020 study by Azari and Abari revealed that viruses and bacteria are the two most common causes of infectious Conjunctivitis.
But, with easy measures, these can be prevented.
Read along to learn more about contagious pink eye, its way of spreading, symptoms, and prevention measures.
Is Pink eye contagious?
Pink eye is an infection in the conjunctiva and can cause redness and swelling in the eyes.
These symptoms can increase in severity leading to decreased vision, discharge, and eye pain.
The infection is mainly caused due to bacterial, viral, or allergic reactions.
The etiology shows viruses and bacteria cause contagious pink eye.
Contagious bacterial pink eye
Bacterial Pink eye is usually caused due to Influenzae and Streptococcus pneumoniae bacteria.
The bacterial infection can spread from hand-to-eye contact or respiratory tract droplets.
Sticking of the eyelids and less of itching can show the presence of bacterial infection.
The common symptoms caused due to bacterial eye infections are
- Red eye
- Purulent discharge that causes eyelids to be matted together
- Chemosis
- Decreased vision
- Eyelid swelling and pain
Also Read: If you want to treat your pink eye naturally, read How to Treat Bacterial Pink Eye Naturally?
Contagious viral pink eye
According to a study, viral pink eye is spreads due to Adenovirus and Rubella viruses.
Most viruses that cause Conjunctivitis spread through hand-to-eye contact by hands or objects that are contaminated with the infectious virus and respiratory tract droplets.
Symptoms of viral pink eye can include:
- Watery discharge from the eye
- One infected eye, which causes infection in the other eye as well
- Other illnesses, such as colds, flu, or other respiratory infection
Spread of Pink eye
Viruses and Bacteria of different classes can cause infectious pink eye. Their spread route is different from one another.
The common ways of spreading include,
- Touching or shaking hands with an infected person
- Via eye contact with contaminated objects
- Airborne- by coughing and sneezing
One can pass a pink eye infection to someone else in the same ways other viral and bacterial infections can be spread.
According to the CDC, the incubation period for viral or bacterial Conjunctivitis is about 24 to 72 hours.
Most bacteria can survive on a surface for up to eight hours, though some can live for a few days.
Hence, patients should stay in isolation till the symptoms are treated.
Save your kids from contagious pink eyes. Watch the video to know the reasons and preventions you can take
Symptoms of infectious Pink eye
In cases of contagious pink eye, the symptoms can be different from those caused due to allergens.
According to MedicalNewsToday, symptoms of infectious pink eye are,
- Discharge from the eyes
- Crusty eyelashes and lids
- Swelling around the eyes
- Burning sensation
- Tearing up
- Red or pink in the whites of the eyes
- Irritation of the eyes
Individuals can have additional symptoms based on the causes.
These symptoms also help doctors to identify the cause of the infection.Â
Prevention
Pink eye is a highly infectious condition.
But, with some measures, one can prevent it from spreading.
The measures one can follow to prevent Pink eye include,
- Frequently wash your hands: Wash your hands often throughout the day with soap and warm water, or use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer.
- Wash your hands before and after you use eye drops or put in contact lenses.
- Avoid sharing items like blankets, towels, pillowcases, combs, makeup, or makeup brushes
- Don’t touch or rub your eyes
- Wash bedding, washcloths, and towels in hot water after you use them
- Thoroughly clean contact lenses and glasses
- If you have pink eye, stay home from school or work until your symptoms are gone
Also Read: There are medical options that can help you in treating pink eyes, read Pink Eye Medicine: How to Choose the Right One.
Conclusion
Pink eye can be infectious if caused by a virus or bacteria.
There is a higher risk of spread if the symptoms include eye discharge and drainage from the eye.
The bacteria or virus can survive on the surface for weeks and spread infection.
The patients are advised to stay isolated till the symptoms are gone.
Hence, contact your doctor immediately if you come in contact with a patient or are experiencing the symptoms.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long is Pink eye contagious?
Pink eye caused by bacteria is contagious as soon as symptoms appear and till there’s discharge from the eye. Viral Pink eye is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain as long as the symptoms last.
When is Pink eye not contagious?
Pink eye caused due to allergies, like pollens and dander. It is also not contagious 24 hours after using antibiotics.
Is viral Pink eye contagious?
Yes, viral pink eye is contagious. It can spread the infection even before symptoms start to occur. Viral pink eye causes symptoms such as water discharge, eye infection, and other respiratory disorders.
Is bacterial Pink eye contagious?
Yes, bacterial pink eye is the second most contagious after viral. It can spread infection after symptoms start to appear. It causes red eyes, decreased vision, eyelid swelling, and chemosis.
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