With a dip in temperature amidst monsoon, there had been a noticeable increase in the spread of conjunctivitis or pink eye infection in all Indian metros. About 90 percent of these cases involve viral conjunctivitis, which tends to spread more rapidly in humid conditions, say experts. In most of these cases, upper respiratory symptoms like a sore throat, cough and cold typically precede the onset of symptoms in the eyes.
A family from Bangalore recently faced this situation. When Suresh M (35) came down with a sore throat, runny nose and watery eyes, he first dismissed it as regular flu and took paracetamol pills. Very soon, his eyes started swelling and turning red.
Suresh was diagnosed with viral conjunctivitis. Without his knowledge, he had spread it to his family including his pregnant wife.
What is viral conjunctivitis?
Viral infections such as SARS-CoV2 and adenovirus can cause conjunctivitis, says Dr Ananthakrishnan C, general physician, Prashanth Super Specialty Hospital, Chennai. “Any viral infection will have respiratory symptoms such as a sore throat, cold and cough. Conjunctivitis could be seen during the initial stage of infection or at a later stage when the infection is severe,” he says.
Conjunctivitis can either be viral or bacterial, says Dr Shalini Shetty, senior consultant, ophthalmology, Apollo Hospitals, Bengaluru. “The infection spreads through contact and not just through a mere look. If symptoms of itchy eyes and burning sensation are followed by redness inside the eyes, people must consult an ophthalmologist without delay as conjunctivitis spreads very fast,” Dr Shetty says.
Except for the type of discharge from the eyes, the symptoms of conjunctivitis in both viral and bacterial are similar, says Dr Shetty. “A watery discharge is seen in viral infections and there is pus formation in bacterial infections,” she says.
Dr Ananthakrishnan says, “Irrespective of whether it’s viral conjunctivitis or flu, people must isolate themselves to stop the spread.” He adds that the infection spreads not only through the tears of the infected person but also through sneezing or cough droplets.
Is pink eye harmful during pregnancy?
Suresh’s wife Meghana S, who is in her first trimester, took almost a week to recover and did not develop any respiratory symptoms.
While conjunctivitis is highly contagious, experts suggest not to panic but seek medical intervention. Conjunctivitis in pregnancy does not pose any complication to the mother or her unborn child, says Dr Anisha Gala, senior consultant, obstetrics, Fernandez Hospital, Hyderabad. She adds that conjunctivitis usually settles without treatment in seven to ten days. “If one develops pus in the eyes or any other complications, then it needs antibiotics,” she says.
“For viral infections, lubricants [for the eyes] are prescribed and antibiotic drops are given for bacterial infections. Safe antibiotic eye drops are prescribed for pregnancy and they will not harm the mother or the baby,” says Dr Shetty.
Preventing the spread of viral conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis irritates the eyes and those infected tend to touch them often. Thus, they can pass on the infection through their hands, says Dr Shetty. “If someone has conjunctivitis in the family, one must avoid using common napkins,” she says, also stressing the need to wash and sanitize the hands regularly.
It is not just through surfaces that conjunctivitis spreads. “The person with viral conjunctivitis may have respiratory symptoms. It is important to wear face masks and glasses, both at home and in public places,” says Dr Shetty.
Takeaways
- Conjunctivitis or pink eyes can either be viral or bacterial in origin.
- It spreads through direct contact.
- Viral conjunctivitis is a symptom of viral infections such as adenovirus and covid-19.
- Pregnant women and senior citizens have lower immunity and are vulnerable to it.
- Following precautionary measures and using the prescribed eye drops, helps treat and contain the spread of the infection.
