Rainy Season Brings Increased Risk of Conjunctivitis

Rainy Season Brings Increased Risk of Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis

Conjunctivitis is a common eye infection that is caused by the Adenovirus. This virus is highly contagious and can spread easily through direct contact, such as through shaking hands, sharing tools, swimming in contaminated pools, and during the peak of conjunctivitis season. It is most commonly seen during the rainy season.

If you are experiencing any of the symptoms of the disease, such as acute red eyes, watery eyes, swollen conjunctiva, enlarged anterior lymph nodes, slightly irritated eyes, or even bleeding from the whites of the eyes (which may start on one side before spreading to the other side), it is highly recommended to avoid contact with others for 7 days after the onset of symptoms.

A viral infection from the Adenovirus group is usually transmitted by contact with the tears of an infected patient. This can be done by touching their fingers and then transferring it to the eyes. To prevent infection, it is important to avoid contact with the infected person's eyes, as well as to not share food or air with them. Symptoms of the virus usually appear within 1-2 days, and it can be contagious to others for up to 14 days.

Infection can be from the simple actions below:

1. Avoid close contact or contact with patients with conjunctivitis.
2. Do not share clothing or items with the patient.
3. Do not let dust or dirty water in the eyes.
4. Do not let flies or other insects in your eyes.
5. Keep the body clean, especially hands and face.

People who have been infected with the virus may experience red eyes, eye irritation, and a reddish tint to the whites of the eyes. Tears may flow, the eyes may hurt, and there is often a lot of eye discharge. If this is a bacterial infection, it usually starts in one eye first and can spread to the other eye quickly if not carefully monitored. If care is taken to not water the infected side, it may not spread to the other eye, but oftentimes it does spread very quickly.

Prevention

1. Ensure that you always wash your hands with soap and water.
2. Avoid close contact or sharing items with patients.
3. If dust or dirty water gets in your eyes, rinse them immediately with clean water.
4. Do not allow flies to land or enter your eyes.
5. Maintain personal hygiene and keep items and appliances such as clothes, towels, bed sheets, and pillowcases clean. If you have conjunctivitis, stay home from school or work to prevent spreading or contact with others.

Best wishes from the Department of Ophthalmology and LASIK, Vibhavadi Hospital.