The rainy season brings a lot of infections every year. And one of them is eye flu. This year, the reports suggest that the spread eye of the flu is even more in India than the previous year. The combination of increased moisture and various pathogens has created favourable conditions for the rapid transmission of the infection. This has led to a concerning rise in the number of affected individuals. Health authorities are working diligently to control the spread and provide necessary medical attention to those affected, urging the public to take precautionary measures and seek timely treatment if experiencing symptoms.
What is eye flu?
Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is a condition characterised by inflammation or infection of the conjunctiva. Conjunctiva is a thin and transparent layer that covers the surface of the inner eyelids and the whites of the eyes. It can be caused by viruses, bacteria, allergens, or irritants, leading to symptoms such as redness, itching, watery discharge, and sensitivity to light. Treatment of infections varies on the basis of causes. Proper hygiene and avoiding contact with infected individuals can help prevent its spread.
Some tips to help prevent eye flu
Preventing eye flu involves taking simple yet effective precautions to protect your eyes from infections.
Practise good hygiene
One of the key things that people should be careful about is maintaining hygiene. This is because hygiene plays a crucial role in the spread of a contagious infection. Wash your hands frequently with handwash and water, especially before touching your eyes or face. Avoid rubbing your eyes, as this can introduce germs and irritate delicate tissues.
Avoid touching your face
A lot of people have a habit of constantly touching their faces. Although this may not seem like a very serious thing, it contributes to the spreading of infections like eye flu, as these are common entry points for viruses and bacteria. Therefore, it is important that you minimise touching your eyes, nose, and mouth. Use a clean towel and personal items. Do not share towels, handkerchiefs, or any personal items that come into contact with your eyes. Use a clean, fresh towel for drying your face.
Maintain cleanliness
Cleanliness of the surrounding is an important precaution against any kind of infectious disease. Regularly clean surfaces, such as doorknobs, computer keyboards, and phones, to reduce the risk of transmitting germs to your eyes. Many people in India come from the extremely marginalised group where they do not have enough space or they are living in slums, it’s very hard for them to keep themselves protected from any infections.
Protect your eyes
Whenever you go out, your eyes become vulnerable to irritants and airborne particles. Therefore, it is important to wear sunglasses or protective eyewear if you are outdoors in dusty or windy conditions.
Stay informed
To effectively deal with any illness, it is crucial to understand at least the basics of the health condition. This helps you to prepare yourself to take the necessary steps, especially in case of an emergency. Therefore, keep yourself updated on local health advisories and recommendations during outbreaks to stay informed about preventive measures and potential risks of eye flu.
If you develop symptoms such as redness, itching, discharge, or discomfort in your eyes, seek medical attention promptly. Early diagnosis and treatment can help prevent the spread of eye flu and reduce the severity of symptoms. India is currently grappling with floods in several states, leading to widespread water contamination. This could be also a reason behind such a rise in the cases of eye flu in India.
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