Is the pink eye contagious?

The state known as Pink Eye or Conjunctivitis is the lid infection and the eye protective layer called conjunctiva . This can be caused by bacteria that naturally resides in the lids, viruses that find their way to the eye area, or natural allergens that cause an allergic reaction. Of these three main causes, only bacterial or viral infections are considered contagious. Conjunctivitis caused by a hay fever or other allergic reaction is not generally contagious, but it is not always easy to recognize the difference between these three forms.

The most common form of conjunctivitis is bacterial. This is because the eye does not have the usual defense mechanism for destroying harmful bacteria, such as those located in the roots of eyelashes and along the edges of the eyelids themselves. The natural chemicals present in the conjunctiva should neutralize bacteria, but is not always successful. When the colony succeeds in Overwhelm's defense Conjunctiva is the result of an infection we know as a pink eye.

The bacterial form of the pink eye is truly contagious and approximately 50% of all reported cases are bacterial. Treatment is usually some form of eye drops of antibiotics and careful hygiene practices until the condition is brightened. However, while the bacterial form still produces infected fluid, there is still the possibility of infecting someone else through occasional contact. A classroom full of students or offices full of collaborators could easily be exposed to an occasional contact with an infected person.

Pink Eye can also be triggered by a virus, but this form represents only 20% of all cases. Antibiotic eye drops would have a small effect on a person with a viral conjunctivitis, but there are treatments that help neutralize the virus. This form is also a very part, so the same hygienic protocols should be introduced. Patients should avoid direct contact with others and anyProducts for medical waste, such as bandages, tissues and eye drops, should be correctly destroyed.

allergens, such as pollen and pollutants such as dust in the home, can cause a third form of conjunctivitis that are responsible for the remaining 30% of all cases. Treatment of pink eye -based allergens or pollutants is generally part of a greater treatment of basic allergy or reaction. For example, itching, swollen eyes that often accompany hay fever would be considered an allergen form of conjunctivitis. This form is not contagious because excess fluids do not contain either bacteria or viruses, only natural lachrymal fluids and rinsed irritant substances.

Although almost a third of all cases are not considered contagious, it is not easy for an average person to distinguish contagious from inconsistent conjunctivitis. If a classmate or collaborator appears to take some form of an active eye infection, it is still best to be wrong on the safety side and avoidwith informal contact or possible transfers from manipulating municipal objects such as phones or toys. In case of doubt, people should use antibacterial cloths or disinfectants to prevent the spread of infection. People should be in contact with anyone who shows signs of eye infection, accompanying symptoms of colds or flu should avoid touching face or eyes.