When Is Pink Eye Contagious?

And How Long Is Pink Eye Contagious For?

Three of the most frequently asked questions regarding pink eye are...

1. Is pink eye contagious?
2. When is pink eye contagious?
3. How long is pink eye contagious for?

This article is dedicated to giving you the answers to those questions. For basic information about pink eye itself, please click on facts about pink eye.

Pink eye is contagious in approximately four out of five cases. It can spread from one eye to another, and from one person to another. This is because 80 percent of pink eye cases are caused by bacteria or viruses. Bacterial and viral types of pink eye spread the same way colds and flu spread. When people have pink eye, they often touch or rub their eyes and then touch other objects, spreading germs througout their environment. These germs then get on other people when they touch the same objects that have been touched by the person with pink eye.

However, about 20 percent of pink eye cases are non-infectious. They're caused by allergies, hay fever, or some other form of eye irritant, and are therefore not contagious. These can be cured by medications or by removing the source of the irritant.

When is pink eye contagious and how long is pink eye contagious for? There is a single answer for both these questions: bacterial or viral pink eye is contagious while there is tearing, a discharge from the eye, or "matting" around the eyes. These signs and symptoms of pink eye usually last 3 to 7 days. When you no longer have these signs and symptoms of pink eye, it's safe to return to normal activity at school or work. 

Signs and symptoms of pink eye are easy to recognize: a pink or reddish tint that's readily apparent on the white part of the eye known as the conjunctiva (thus the name conjunctivitis). Patients report symptoms that include severe redness, tearing and discomfort of at least one eye. Other symptoms of pink eye can include severe eye pain and a discharge from the infected eye.

Also see eye infections and medications for treating pink eye.

 
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