How is conjunctivitis transmitted? What to avoid when sick?

The article was professionally consulted by BSCK I Le Thi Phuong Thao - Eye Unit - Vinmec Times City International General Hospital.

Conjunctivitis is quite common in all genders, at all ages. The disease is highly contagious and can become epidemic in spring-summer. So how is conjunctivitis transmitted and what should be avoided when infected? Please refer to the following article. Conjunctivitis is an inflammation of the transparent membrane on the surface of the eyeball (white) and the conjunctiva of the eyelids. Present in one eye or both eyes. Causes can be caused by viruses, bacteria ... or allergies. Any age can get the disease.

● Direct contact with infected people, through inhalation, through tears, saliva, shaking hands...
● Indirect contact through holding, holding, touching contaminated objects, disease-causing viruses (such as doorknobs, toys, stair buttons...)
● Sharing personal items and items with sick people (such as towels, drinking glasses/glasses, pillows...)
● Using public water sources susceptible to pathogens (ponds, lakes, swimming pools)
● Habit of rubbing eyes, touching nose, mouth...

Some precautions for conjunctivitis transmission
● In public places, including hospitals, schools, offices... or areas with high density of people, often must be in close contact with the train station, on the bus, at the market... the risk of spreading pink eye (viral conjunctivitis) is very high.
● Within a week after the illness is gone, conjunctivitis is still contagious. Therefore, to prevent illness for individuals and avoid spreading to others, it is necessary to maintain good personal hygiene, wash hands thoroughly, and pay attention to living habits.
● Especially for children, parents should remind their children not to rub their eyes, especially when they are living with a group of friends. Besides, keep your eyes clean every day, wash your hands often with soap or antiseptic solution.

● Allergic food group: If the patient is allergic to any food, even a mild allergy, they should not eat that food group while having conjunctivitis.
● Group of spices and spicy foods: The spicy taste of foods easily causes tears, causing discomfort for patients with conjunctivitis. Therefore, should abstain from spices such as chili, pepper... while sick.
● Group of stimulants: Alcohol, alcohol-containing drinks...
● Limit the use of electronic devices during conjunctivitis, so let your eyes rest and relax well.
● Avoid staying up late. Need enough sleep.
● Avoid places with smoke, dust and wind.
● Avoid rubbing and rubbing your eyes because they can easily cause dangerous complications for the cornea.
● Avoid swimming, avoid getting dirty water and chemicals into your eyes when you are sick.
● If you have viral conjunctivitis (pink eye), you should abstain from contact with public places to avoid the disease spreading to the community. You should wear a medical mask when you are sick.

When you have symptoms of eye redness, pain, discharge, tearing or unusual eyelid swelling, you should see a doctor for advice and timely treatment.