HEALTH

Conjunctivitis at its peak: What measures can be taken to stop spreading it?

Conjunctivitis or pink eyes or red eyes is spreading at a fast rate. It is highly infectious and might be allergic, viral, or bacterial and varies from person to person.

OpEd Desk August 28, 2023

conjunctivitis-at-its-peak-what-measures-can-be-taken-to-stop-spreading-it

Conjunctivitis at its peak by NIIMS: Conjunctivitis or pink eyes or red eyes is spreading at a fast rate. It is highly infectious and might be allergic, viral, or bacterial and varies from person to person. As conjunctivitis is in the air of Delhi NCR, people are affected by this contagious disease.

According to Dr. Rahul Singh, MBBS, MS, DNB, ICO, Department of Dermatologist at NIIMS Hospital, conjunctivitis is spreading more due to heavy rainfall and water clogging at various places leading to infection and its rise this year. The humidity caused due to rainfall works as the favorable temperature for the growth of the bacteria causing conjunctivitis.

Symptoms of Conjunctivitis

A person infected with conjunctivitis might have itching and redness in the eyes. One may have tears or a thin transparent layer in the eyes or white fluid discharge at the corners of the eyes. People with puffy eyes, swelling, and inflammation might get infected with conjunctivitis. It may also cause sensitivity in the eyes toward light, said Dr. Rahul Singh. Conjunctivitis may last for 6-8 days depending on the type of infection conjunctivitis has caused.

Treatment for Conjunctivitis

The treatment prescribed by Dr. Rahul Singh, MBBS, MS, DNB, ICO, Department of Dermatologist at NIIMS Hospital for conjunctivitis involves antibiotics that kill bacteria and stop their growth. Mild steroids and antihistamines might help in conjunctivitis as it reduces inflammation. After all, one should avoid unnecessary contact of hands with the face and practice personal hygiene.

Adenoviruses are a very contagious virus that causes conjunctivitis with some respiratory issues. Haemophilus influenzae, Streptococcus pneumoniae, and Staphylococcus aureus are the bacterias that cause bacterial conjunctivitis. Overall, there is no unusual case or trend in conjunctivitis as it is common and happens every rainy season, yet the cases are common and are caused due to unusual rainfall and stagnant water this year.