Does conjunctivitis require isolation?

Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

Updated on September 17, 2024

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Infectious conjunctivitis can lead to epidemic infection, therefore it is essential to take preventive measures. Conjunctivitis is often spread through contact, thus it is advocated to frequently wash hands and faces, and avoid wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Patients with infectious conjunctivitis must be isolated, and any toiletries used by the patients must be isolated and disinfected. Medical staff should also wash and disinfect their hands after examining patients to prevent cross-infection.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

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Can conjunctivitis be contagious?

Hyperacute bacterial conjunctivitis, acute or subacute bacterial conjunctivitis is highly contagious and requires isolation to prevent spread and epidemics. When one eye is infected, measures should be taken to prevent infection of the other eye. Strict attention should be paid to personal and communal hygiene, advocating frequent hand and face washing, and avoiding wiping eyes with hands or sleeves. Strict disinfection of face washing utensils, towels, and medical instruments used by the patient is also necessary.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

1min 10sec

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Acute conjunctivitis etiology

Acute conjunctivitis, also known as acute catarrhal conjunctivitis and commonly referred to as pink eye, is highly contagious. It is most often seen in the spring and autumn seasons. The infection can occur sporadically or can spread in community settings such as schools and factories. The onset of the disease is sudden, with an incubation period of one to three days. Both eyes may be affected simultaneously or one to two days apart. The inflammation is most severe three to four days after onset and then gradually lessens, with the course of the disease generally lasting less than three weeks. The most common pathogens are Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, and Haemophilus influenzae. The pathogens can vary with the seasons; studies indicate that infections in the winter are mainly caused by Streptococcus pneumoniae, while Haemophilus influenzae conjunctivitis is more common in the spring and summer.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

42sec

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What to do if conjunctivitis is accompanied by a fever?

Conjunctivitis, also referred to as acute or subacute conjunctivitis, commonly known as "pink eye," is caused by bacterial or viral infections, which can also lead to fever. It is a relatively common disease. It is important to rest, drink plenty of water, avoid staying up late, and consume a light diet with less oily food. Individual usage of washbasins and towels is recommended to prevent contagion. Treatment involves the use of anti-inflammatory and antiviral eye drops under medical supervision, typically resulting in recovery within about a week.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

48sec

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Conjunctivitis is treated how?

Conjunctivitis is treated based on the cause, primarily with local medication and systemic treatment when necessary, and it is advisable to avoid bandaging the affected eye during the acute phase. First, eye drops are the most basic method of administering medication for treating conjunctivitis. Second, eye ointment should preferably be applied before bedtime. Third, when there is excessive secretion in the conjunctival sac, it is necessary to rinse the conjunctival sac. Fourth, severe conjunctivitis, such as gonococcal conjunctivitis, requires systemic treatment with antibiotics or sulfonamides.

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Written by Peng Xi Feng

Ophthalmology

46sec

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Can conjunctivitis be treated with warm compresses?

Conjunctivitis can be treated with warm compresses. If the eye pain is due to an infection, warm compresses can soothe the eyes and reduce redness and discomfort. However, it is important to note that a wet, warm towel can cause the infection to spread from one eye to the other. Therefore, remember to use different towels for each eye, and ensure that the towel is clean before each application. When cleaning the eyes, remember to wipe from the inside out, starting from the side closest to the nose and moving outward. Always use a clean side of the towel for each wipe to ensure that any removed secretions do not get wiped back into the eye.