Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is a very common eye infection that causes redness, irritation, discharge and tearing of the eyes. While it is not usually serious, eye flu can spread easily from person to person through contact with infected secretions. In this article, we will discuss what eye flu is, its symptoms, causes, treatment and prevention.

What is Eye Flu?
Eye flu, or conjunctivitis, refers to inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva - the transparent membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. The conjunctiva plays an important role in lubricating and protecting the eyes. When it gets infected or inflamed from viral or bacterial causes, it leads to conjunctivitis or eye flu.

Symptoms of Eye Flu
The common symptoms of eye flu include red eyes with a gritty or sore feeling, watery or thick discharge from one or both eyes, discomfort or pain in and around the eyes, increased sensitivity to light, edema or swelling of the eyelids. The discharge can be thick, thin and watery or purulent depending on the cause. Other symptoms like blurred vision may occur if the cornea gets involved.

Causes of Eye Flu
Eye flu can be caused by viruses, bacteria or allergens. Viral conjunctivitis, caused by adenoviruses, is the most common type and highly contagious. It spreads easily through direct contact with infected eye secretions or via fingers, towels or other contaminated objects. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be caused by strains of staphylococcus, streptococcus bacteria. Allergic conjunctivitis occurs due to environmental allergens like pollen.

Diagnosis and Treatment
A doctor can diagnose eye flu based on the symptoms and do a slit lamp exam to look for inflammation, discharge or other signs. Often tests are not required to identify the cause. Viral conjunctivitis usually clears on its own within 1-2 weeks without treatment. Applying warm compresses helps relieve symptoms. Antibiotic eye drops or ointments are prescribed for bacterial conjunctivitis. Avoiding allergens helps control allergic conjunctivitis.

Spread and Prevention of Eye Flu
Eye flu can spread easily through direct contact with eye secretions of an infected person or indirectly via fingers, tissues, towels, clothing, toys, phones, etc. Healthcare professionals are at a higher risk. It is important to practice good hand hygiene, avoid touching or rubbing eyes with unwashed hands, properly dispose of used tissues, and not share personal items. People with active eye infection should avoid contact with others until 24 hours after starting treatment. Following these prevention measures can help reduce the spread of this contagious infection.

Prognosis of Eye Flu
The prognosis or expected outcome of conjunctivitis depends on the underlying cause. Most cases of viral conjunctivitis get cured on their own within 7-10 days without any long term effects. Recovery is typically quicker for people with good general health and nutrition. Bacterial eye infections usually respond well to antibiotic eye drops with complete cure in 5-7 days of treatment. However, in some cases the infection may persist for longer if antibiotic treatment is delayed or not followed properly. Complications are also possible if it spreads inside the eye. Allergic conjunctivitis flares up recurrently with exposure to triggers but is not serious. Vision loss is extremely rare unless the cornea gets extensively involved. With prompt diagnosis and management, conjunctivitis has an excellent prognosis in most cases.

When to See a Doctor for Eye Flu
While mild conjunctivitis usually resolves on its own, it is advised to consult an ophthalmologist if symptoms persist beyond 10 days without improvement or worsen over time. Other concerning signs that need medical evaluation include severe eye pain, reduced vision, eye redness in only one eye, blurring of vision, discharge that smells foul, swelling of eyelids or crusting of eyelashes. People with weak immune system due to conditions like HIV/AIDS or diabetes are at increased risk of complications and need prompt medical care for conjunctivitis. Seeing a doctor is also important to rule out other serious eye problems if symptoms are atypical or only present in one eye. Early medical management helps prevent potential long term consequences of conjunctivitis.

Conclusion
In conclusion, eye flu though very common is highly contagious through direct or indirect contact. While it clears on its own in most cases, following proper hand hygiene, avoiding rubbing eyes and sharing personal items can prevent the spread. Seeing a doctor for pain, worsening symptoms or if not improving after a week helps rule out complications. With self-care and prevention of transmission, eye flu can easily be managed.