Eye Flu

With rainy season comes raining various Infections also. Most of these infections are not home curable which means, an appointment with the doctor. One such common infections are the viral infection of the eye called the eye flu. It is a condition when a person has sore eyes.

A highly contagious disease, conjunctivitis is the swollenness or inflammation caused in the conjunctiva, a thin membrane which coats the front of the eyes. Though eye flu can affect people of all age but it’s more common among children.

Eye flue is an eye diseases also known as viral conjunctivitis. Viral conjunctivitis can occur in epidemics caused by one of the viruses responsible for the common cold. The condition may also be triggered chemicals found in eye drops, cosmetics, or contact lens solution.



Some facts about eye flu:
• The disease is caused by virus infection like adenovirus, herpes, simples virus, myxovirus and pox virus.
• The disease is highly infectious, so if somebody around you is infected there is high risk of you getting infected. So take proper care in order to avoid the infection.
• There is a myth that the disease spreads just by looking into the eyes of an infected person. But this is not true.
• If somebody touches the infected eyes the fingers get infected and if these fingers come in contact of other person's eyes he may get infected.
• One may also get infected from a swimming pool also.

Symptoms of Eye Flu:
• Red, swollen eyes.
• Watery discharge from eyes.
• Severe itching in eyes and/or pain in eyes.
• The blurring of vision.
• Lid Swelling.
• Feeling of discomfort.

Prevention of eye flu:
• Avoid going to swimming pool which has regular chlorination of water.
• Avoid shaking hands esp. with the infected person. Wash your hand with soap after handshake with an infected person.
• Clean your eyes with clean water 2-3 times a day.
• Don't use a common towel or handkerchief.

Treatment of eye flu:
• Wear dark goggles.
• Use anti-allergic eye drops three to four times a day.
• Close your eyes and apply ice wrapped in a cloth over the eyelids.
• The disease is usually self-limiting and normally goes away in around three days.
Home Remedy for Conjunctivitis:
• One of the effective remedies for curing conjunctivitis is to mix 2 tsp. chamomile flowers and 1 tsp Oregon grape root in 2 cups of boiling water. Once cooled, strain this mixture and use it as an eyewash.
• Sliced potatoes would also be beneficial in curing conjunctivitis. Peel the potato and cut it into thin slices. Apply on the affected area of the eye.
• Prepare a tea using goldthread leaves and use it as an eye wash. Not only does it cure the swollenness caused and the infection, it also relieves a person of the pain.
• An excellent eyewash for treating conjunctivitis would be to prepare a decoction using a handful of dried coriander in 60 ml of water. It relieves a person of the pain and lessens the swelling as well.