There is an alarming trend of eye flu because of which the vast majority of people are suffering eye issues. Especially, there is a rapid spread of eye flu among the children because they share more physical contact as compared to the adults because they stay in groups in school, parks, tuition, etc and they are more careless as well so the hygiene is also hampered.
Don’t worry! This blog consists of everything you need to know about this disease and it will help you to keep yourself and your loved ones safe.
What Is Eye Flu?
Eye flu, also known as ‘Viral Conjunctivitis’, is an eye infection which can be caused by various viruses, but mainly it is caused by the adenovirus. Eye flu is a communicable disease which means it transmits from one person to another due to physical contact.
Causes of Eye Flu
Following are the causes through which people get infected to eye flu:
(1) Bacterial Infection
Eye flu caused through bacteria like staphylococcus aureus, streptococcus and haemophilus influenza generally causes the most severe symptoms. These bacteria spread through sharing contaminated items and unhygienic hands.
(2) Viral Infection
Eye flu can also be caused through viruses and as mentioned above, the primary virus responsible for eye flu is adenovirus. The symptoms caused by the viral infection are comparatively less severe. Viral eye flu spreads through physical contact with the infected person, virus contaminated surface, touching eyes and respiratory droplets of the infected person.
(3) Environmental Factors
There are various environmental factors because of which eye flu can transmit. Factors like air pollution, prolonged exposure to swimming pool chlorine, wearing virus contaminated or unhygienic contact lenses. Generally, the symptoms are very mild if the eye flu is caused by the environmental factors.
Symptoms of Eye Flu
Following are the symptoms which are most commonly found and people experience these the most due to eye flu:
- Redness in eyes
- Irritation and Gritty Sensation
- Watery Eyes
- Blepharitis (Crusting and Swelling of Eyelids)
- Styes
- Discomfort while Blinking
How to prevent eye flu?
How to prevent eye flu is often asked questions. Following are the measures which one needs to take to prevent him/her from this disease and keep their safety in check, especially if they stay with an infected person:
1) Maintain Personal Hygiene
Eye flu is a communicable disease so maintaining adequate hygiene, especially of hands will help immensely to curb the spread of this infection. Always keep a sanitizer with yourself, do not shake hands with people and wash your hands as frequently as possible.
2) Physical Contact
Limit your physical activity and contact with people, especially with infected people. Avoid contact with them and most importantly, avoid touching your eyes. Use tissue or handkerchief to touch your eyes, if you feel any sensation in it.
3) Social Distancing
Keep a safe distance from people. Moreover, restrict your visit to the places where eye flu is at its pinnacle and the proportion of infected people is high.
4) Proper and Hygienic Usage of Your Belongings
Keep your belongings clean and sanitized which you use and touch the most. Keep your handkerchief washed, discard the used tissues which you used to wipe your eyes and sanitize your mobile, glares, etc as frequently as possible.
5) Medical Consultancy
Seek medical attention as early as possible, if you notice any of the symptoms of eye flu and prevent it from getting severe.
How to cure eye flu? Top Home Remedies
If you are unfortunately suffering from eye flu and if due to any reason you are not able to seek immediate medical consultancy or the symptoms are less severe, you can try these home remedies to relieve the discomfort and pain.
Using these herbs will help you a lot as all of them consists of anti-inflammatory, antiseptic and antimicrobial properties. These methods are safe and they will not harm your eyes.
1. Neem
Soak 3-4 neem leaves overnight in a glass full of water and use it to wash your eyes. You can also dip a cotton ball in it and use it to clean your eyes. Benefits of Neem to the Human Body and the Nature
2. Salt Water
Mix 1 tsp (teaspoon) salt in a glass full of pure water. Now dip a cotton swab or a cotton ball in that water and gently wipe your eyes with that for a minute or two.
3. Turmeric
Mix 1 teaspoon of turmeric in a glass full of purified water and use that water to wash your eyes or you can clean them using cotton pads.
4. Rose Water
Put 1-2 drops of rose water in your eyes and keep your eyes closed for a couple of minutes.
5. Green Tea Bags
You can either use green tea-soaked water to clean your eyes or you can freeze them and put cool green tea bags on your eyes and a rest for a couple of minutes. 12 Evidence-Based Health Benefits of Green Tea
6. Tulsi/Holy Basil
Soak 3-4 tulsi leaves in a glass full of purified water. Now either you can use the water to wash your eyes or you can dip cotton pads in that water and put them over your eyes.
7. Cold and Warm Compress
Dip a towel in cold or warm water and use that wet towel to clean your eyes and give gentle compress to the eyes. Do ensure that water is warm and not hot, otherwise you will harm your eyes.
Always check the temperature of the water by keeping the towel over your hand for a few seconds so as to ensure the safety.
You can also refrigerate the towel and put it over your eyes for a minute or two, instead of using cold water.
8. Honey
Put one teaspoon of honey in one glass of water. Now dip a cotton pad into it and keep it over your eyes for a while.
Does eye flu spread by eye contact?
People often think that eye flu spreads by looking into the eyes of the infected person and thats why they wear black glasses to prevent eye contact with someone.
But in reality it is a myth, eye flu spreads only when one person comes into the physical contact with the infected one or touches the virus contaminated surface.
Also the black glasses are given to the people suffering from eye flu so as to prevent dust particles and other pollutants like smoke from entering into their eyes. The black glasses also restricts the person from touching their eyes which prevents it from spreading.
Takeaway
Eye flu is really an irking eye condition and neglecting it may worsen it. Ensuring the above mentioned prevention techniques and home remedies will ensure proper safety of your eyes and mitigate the eye infection.
