A panel of doctors has emphasized the importance of prevention to curb the spread of conjunctivitis, a highly contagious eye infection. They advise individuals affected by conjunctivitis, often referred to as Pink-eye, to maintain strict hygiene practices to prevent transmission.
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Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral or bacterial infections, or allergies. It spreads rapidly and can survive on surfaces like doorknobs, towels, and tissues for extended periods. Sharing personal items is strongly discouraged when dealing with an eye infection. Contrary to common misconceptions, eye flu does not spread just by looking into someone’s eyes. Instead, transmission occurs when an individual touches their eyes after coming into contact with the infected person’s eye secretions.
Senior eye specialist Dr. Iqra Aftab highlighted some concerning signs of eye flu, including severe eye pain, a drop in vision, and increased redness around the cornea. To reduce the risk of infection, she recommends maintaining proper eye hygiene, such as regular washing with clean water, protecting the eyes from intense sunlight, and shielding them from dust and dirt.
Read this: Pink Eye Epidemic in Pakistan: Expert tips for protection
Dr. Kouser Majeed, another eye specialist, advised infected individuals to practice strict hygiene measures and keep personal items, such as towels and toiletries, separate from those of others.
All government-run hospitals are on alert to address cases of conjunctivitis and other infections, including vector-borne diseases like the dengue virus.
By following these precautions and maintaining good hygiene practices, individuals can play a crucial role in preventing the spread of conjunctivitis and protecting their eye health.
