eye flu – Aarogyapath Blog

Eye flu cases rising in schools; how to protect your child from conjunctivitis

Due to heavy rains and floods, eye flu cases are surging in schools, putting kids at risk of the infection. Here’s how parents can safeguard their young ones.

As conjunctivitis cases continue to surge in various parts of the country, many schools have issued guidelines to tackle the spread. The rapid spread of the highly contagious infection in Delhi, Maharashtra, Gujarat, Northeast is being attributed to floods and waterlogging due to heavy monsoon rains. Schools in Arunachal Pradesh were closed to contain the spread while in many other educational institutions, students have been asked to practice hygiene measures like washing hands frequently, avoiding touching eyes, not share hand towels and maintain social distance

Which kind of conjunctivitis is spreading nowadays?

While conjunctivitis is of many types and can be caused by bacteria, virus or allergy, the infection that is widespread nowadays is mostly acute viral infection which takes its own course and is self-limiting. The symptoms range from redness, itchiness, stickiness in eyes and swollen eyelids. In case of bacterial infection, the thick discharge from the eyes is yellow or green. While there is no immediate relief from medicine or eyedrops in case of viral infection, the symptoms take 1-2 weeks to ease.

Why children are more at risk of conjunctivitis

Kids are more likely to get conjunctivitis simply because they are more physically active than adults and stay in groups be it in school or parks. The little ones may also get their hands dirty frequently and are more likely to rub and touch their eyes which makes exposure to virus or bacteria high.

“As the seasons change, eye flu cases are surging within school premises, putting our children’s precious vision at risk. It’s crucial for parents and guardians to be proactive in safeguarding their young ones from this alarming trend,” says Dr. Rishi Raj Borah, Country Director – India, Orbis who suggests tips to prevent the infections among children.

How to prevent eye flu in children

1. Hand hygiene

Your little ones should keep their hands clean and parents must encourage regular handwashing to prevent the spread of germs, as eye flu can be transmitted through contaminated hands.

2. Avoid touching eyes

Children often rub or touch their eyes more frequently than adults. Teach your child to refrain from touching their eyes to minimize the chance of infection.

3. Proper use of tissues

Emphasize the importance of using tissues when sneezing or coughing to reduce exposure to airborne viruses.

4. Keep personal belongings clean

Regularly sanitize eyeglasses, contact lenses, and any items that come in contact with the eyes.

5. Maintain distance

Encourage maintaining a safe distance from peers displaying symptoms to prevent transmission.

6. Seek medical attention

If your child exhibits any signs of eye flu, promptly seek medical attention to prevent complications and further spread.

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Conjunctivitis alert: Follow these tips to prevent red eye infection

After months of high temperatures, Monsoon brings the much needed relief from summers. But it also brings with it a range of vector borne and other infectious diseases. As cases of conjunctivitis continues to rise in India, follow these precautions to stay safe.

On the flip side of all the green trees, tantalising rain showers and mouth-watering snacks, monsoon brings with it a host of infections and disease for people. Out of all the people of different age groups, children and elders are the worst affected.

There have been a spurt in cases of conjunctivitis, also known as red eyes, in Delhi NCR. These cases are rising continously not only in Delhi but also in states like Gujarat, Arunachal Pradesh,etc.

In Delhi, there are around 100 cases of the red eye infection being reported daily, according to Dr JS Titiyal, Chief RP Centre for Ophthalmic Sciences, AIIMS.

“We are getting at least 100 cases of conjunctivitis per day. There is usually a seasonal increase in conjunctivitis cases, which coincides with the flu season. The conjunctivitis cases are mostly caused by virus,” Dr Titiyal told ANI.

The conjunctivitis cases are reported each year during monsoon season, “Red eye returns with monsoon, itching, redness, watering and sometimes discharge,” Dr Harsh Kumar, Opthalmologist, Centre for Sight said.

Before your loved ones get affected with this infection, follow these preventive measures to keep you and your family safe this monsoon season.

Tips to prevent Conjunctivitis

-Wash your hands regularly: We keep touching different surfaces at home and in public with our hands. This practice makes it easier for infections to take entry inside our bodies. Hence, regularly wash your hands, especially before eating.

-Avoid touching your eyes: Always avoid touching your eyes unnecessarily. Make sure that you don’t touch your face without any reason throughout the day.

-Use artificial tears: It is advisable to use artificial tears to avoid dry eyes and other irritation to eyes.

-“General hygiene measures should be followed. You should wash your hands whenever coming from outside. Try to avoid closed contact with anyone in your family who has eye flu,” he said.

-“If you have conjunctivitis, use dark goggles, avoid swimming, avoid close contact with others, do not touch your eyes, children may avoid going to school for few days to avoid spread to other students, “he said.

– “Avoid crowded places and avoid touching common objects like railings or handles. Use only antibiotic eye drops,” Dr Harsh Kumar said.

-“In order to reduce the risk of transmitting conjunctivitis, it is essential to maintain strict hygiene practices. Thoroughly washing hands, avoiding touching the eyes, and refraining from sharing personal items like towels or eye makeup can contribute to preventing the infection’s transmission,” Dr Samir Sud said.

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