Preventing conjunctival flu: how can good hygiene protect your eyes? | Health News

Good hygiene practices play a key role in preventing conjunctival eye flu, also known as pink eye or conjunctivitis. This contagious condition can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens or irritants and is characterized by inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that covers the inner surface of the eyelids and the white part of the eye.

Educating children and adults about proper hygiene measures is essential to reduce the risk of contracting and spreading conjunctival eye flu. Insights shared by Dr. Anjal Shah, Consultant Ophthalmologist, Cataract and Refractive Surgeon at Dr. Sachdev Maxivision Eye Hospital.

Wash your hands

Washing your hands frequently with soap and water is the most effective way to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Encourage children and adults to wash their hands:

– Before touching your eyes, face or applying eye drops.
– After touching your eyes or face, especially if they have discharge or symptoms of conjunctivitis.
– After using tissues or cloths to clean your eyes.

Avoid touching your eyes

Tell children and adults to avoid touching their eyes with unwashed hands. Rubbing or touching the eyes can transfer bacteria, viruses, or allergens from the hands to the eyes, increasing the risk of infection or irritation.

Personal items

Avoid sharing personal items that come into contact with your eyes, such as towels, washcloths, pillows, or eye makeup. Sharing these items can spread infectious agents and irritants, which can lead to conjunctivitis.

Clean and disinfect

Regularly clean and disinfect surfaces that come into frequent contact with your hands and face, such as doorknobs, countertops, and toys. Disinfecting these surfaces helps reduce the spread of bacteria and viruses that can cause pink eye.

Proper care of contact lenses

If you or your child wears contact lenses, follow proper hygiene practices:

– Wash your hands thoroughly before handling contact lenses.
– Clean and disinfect contact lenses according to the instructions provided by your eye care professional.
– Replace contact lens cases regularly and avoid using expired or damaged lenses.

Avoid irritants and allergens

Minimize exposure to substances that may irritate the eyes or cause allergic reactions, such as smoke, chlorine in swimming pools, dust, pollen, and pet dander. If exposure cannot be avoided, wash hands and face thoroughly after contact.

Health and safety measures
Encourage children and adults to practice healthy habits that support overall immune system health, such as getting enough sleep, eating a balanced diet rich in vitamins and nutrients, and staying hydrated. A strong immune system can help reduce the likelihood of contracting infections such as conjunctivitis.

Rapid treatment and isolation
If conjunctivitis is suspected or diagnosed, prompt treatment and isolation can help prevent the spread of infection. Keep children with conjunctivitis home from school or daycare until they are no longer contagious, as recommended by a health care professional.

By promoting and practicing good hygiene habits, individuals can significantly reduce their risk of contracting conjunctivitis and other infectious eye diseases. Consistent handwashing, avoiding touching the eyes with unwashed hands, proper contact lens care, and minimizing exposure to irritants and allergens are key preventative measures. Educating children and adults about these hygiene practices and implementing them consistently can help maintain eye health and prevent the spread of conjunctivitis in families, schools, and communities.