Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis) / Eye Flu in Nepal
Last updated on June 28th, 2024 at 12:48 pm
Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye disease or eye flu is rapidly spreading across Nepal. Conjunctivitis cases have increased in all seven provinces in recent weeks.
According to the Ministry of Health of Nepal, over 10,000 cases of eye flu have been registered in just the past month.
This contagious eye infection spreads quickly, causing discomfort and inconvenience for those who become infected.
What is the Pink Eye?
Viral conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the clear tissue that covers the white area of the eye and the inner surface of the eyelids.
Small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become more visible as they become swollen and irritated. This causes the whites of the eyes to appear reddish or pink.
A viral infection is the most common cause of pink eye. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or an incompletely opened tear duct in babies.
Pink eye can be irritating, but it rarely impairs your vision. Pink eye treatments can help reduce discomfort.
As pink eye is contagious, getting a diagnosis early and taking precautions can help limit its spread.
How is it transmitted?
The pink eye virus spreads quickly and easily through several viruses and bacteria. These germ types can spread from person to person in various ways.
Infected individuals typically spread them to others through:
- Direct contact, such as touching or shaking hands
- Respiratory droplets through coughing and sneezing
- Touching contaminated objects like towels, pillowcases, cosmetics, or contaminated surfaces, then touching your eyes before washing your hands
Pink eye can easily flourish and spread in an environment where there is limited access to proper sanitation and close living conditions.
#pinkeyealert #viralconjunctivitis
एक महिनायता देशभर फैलिरहेको आँखा पाक्ने समस्या ‘भाइरल कन्जन्टिभाइटिस’ काठमाडौंमा झन…Posted by Clinic One Bhaktapur on Monday, August 14, 2023
Identifying Pink Eye: Symptoms to Watch Out For
Pink eye presents with distinctive symptoms that can vary in intensity. Some of the common signs include:
- Redness: The white part of the eye may turn pink or red due to inflammation.
- Watery Discharge: Excessive tearing and discharge, often accompanied by a sticky texture, during the night that may prevent your eye or eyes from opening in the morning
- Itching and Irritation: Constant itching and a feeling of foreign body sensation in the eye.
- Burning Sensation: The eye may feel irritated and burn, particularly in bright light.
- Swelling: Swelling of the eyelids and conjunctiva is a frequent occurrence.
- Blurry Vision: Vision might become temporarily blurred due to excessive tearing and discharge.
When to see a doctor?
A variety of severe eye conditions can cause redness in the eye. These conditions can result in eye pain, the feeling that something is stuck in your eye, blurred vision, and light sensitivity.
Pink eye can cause inflammation in the cornea that can impair vision in both children and adults.
If you or anyone you know is experiencing any of the signs and symptoms of pink eye disease, it is advised to seek medical attention immediately.
People who wear contact lenses need to stop wearing them as soon as pink eye symptoms start to appear. If your symptoms do not improve within 12 to 24 hours, consult an eye doctor to ensure you do not have a more serious eye infection caused by the use of contact lenses.
Please do not self-medicate.
How can you prevent the Spread of Pink Eye?
Practice good hygiene to control the spread of pink eye. For instance:
- Avoid touching your eyes with your hands.
- Wash your hands often.
- Use a clean towel and washcloth every day.
- Don’t share towels or washcloths.
- Change your pillowcases regularly.
- Throw away old eye cosmetics, such as mascara.
- Eye cosmetics and personal eye care items should not be shared.
FAQs about Pink Eye:
Cold compresses can help relieve discomfort. However, we recommend consulting a healthcare professional for proper treatment rather than self-medicate, as this can result in vision impairment.
It’s advisable to stay home from work or school until the symptoms subside, as pink eye is highly contagious and can spread easily in crowded environments.
Pink eye is typically contagious as long as symptoms persist. Viral conjunctivitis can remain contagious for up to two weeks.
Pink eye can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergies, and irritants. In the context of Nepal’s current situation, viral infections are a significant cause.
Conclusion
As pink eye or eye flu continues to spread in Nepal, staying informed about its causes, symptoms, and prevention is crucial.
One can reduce the chance of getting sick and spreading the virus by practicing good hygiene, avoiding close contact with sick individuals, and keeping the surroundings clean.
Let’s stop the spread of pink eye and guarantee everyone’s safety with a community-wide effort.
References: https://www.mayoclinic.org/diseases-conditions/pink-eye/symptoms-causes/syc-20376355 https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html
