DIMAPUR, JULY 29 (MExN): The Directorate of Health and Family Welfare, Nagaland on Saturday informed that the country is witnessing a sudden outbreak of conjunctivitis (Eye Flu) and cases of pink eye are being reported in high numbers.
In an advisory, Principal Director, Directorate of Health & Family Welfare, Dr Vibeituonuo M Sachu said preventing the eye flu is necessary for avoiding the inconveniences caused by the infection. Therefore, one must maintain good hygiene which includes washing hands and avoiding touching eyes with bare or unwashed hands. One must also avoid sharing personal belongings like towels, lenses or glasses. The area where you live should be cleaned properly, the advisory stated.
Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is an irritation or inflammation of the conjunctiva, which covers the white part of the eyeball. It can be caused by allergies or a bacterial or viral infection. Conjunctivitis can be extremely contagious and is spread by contact with eye secretions from someone who is infected.
Symptoms include redness in the white of the eye or inner eyelid, increased amount of tears, thick yellow discharge that crusts over the eyelashes (especially after sleep), green or white discharge from the eye, itchy eyes, burning eyes, blurred vision and sensitivity to light.
For relief from symptoms, it has been advised to protect eyes from dirt and other irritating substances, avoid use of make-up and contact lens. Non-prescription "artificial tears," a type of eye drops, may help relieve itching and burning. However use eye drops only at doctor’s discretion, it stated.
