Eye Flu in Children: Symptoms, Prevention, and Home Care Tips

When your kid wakes up with red, itchy, and teary eyes, he/she may have caught eye flu, pink eye, or conjunctivitis. 

This can be frustrating for patients due to the contagious nature of this disease and the potential disruption it can cause, which includes discomfort and irritation, visual disturbances, missed school days, and more.

The Indian Journal of Ophthalmology published a research study that showed that conjunctivitis causes about 30% of children’s eye problems in India and eye-related consultations among children during peak seasons like the Indian monsoon. In fact, during school outbreaks, cases can double within a week due to their highly contagious nature.

In this article, let us learn about eye flu in children, how to detect it in time, and how to take care of a sick child without spreading the disease at home.

What is Eye Flu?

Eye flu is a disease that affects the conjunctivae. This part of the eye is very thin, and it covers the inner side of the eyelids and the white part of the eye. Conjunctivitis can be caused by viral and bacterial agents as well as allergens or irritants like smoke or dust.

The most usual kind of conjunctivitis in kids is viral conjunctivitis. This type of conjunctivitis is very contagious, and it tends to move rapidly among children in school or at play, especially during the months of monsoon and humidity in India.

Common Symptoms of Eye Flu in Children

The signs of conjunctivitis in children are easy to spot:

• Having red or pink eyes (thus called “pink eye”)
• Tears or mucus that may stick together, particularly when they wake up in the morning
• Eyelids appear puffed
• Scratching and stinging
• Eyes hurt when exposed to light
• Keeps rubbing the eyes
• Dry sleep with difficulty in opening the eyes because of the stuck matter around the eyelashes

People with bacterial conjunctivitis may have sticky pus that is yellowish or greenish and may cause closure of the eyes. Viral infections are characterised by a clear discharge, while allergic conjunctivitis is associated with sneezing as well as a runny nose.

Prevention Tips for Eye Flu in Children

Although conjunctivitis is highly contagious, you can lower the chances of getting it by practising basic hygiene measures.

• Teach your child to clean their hands frequently using soap and water.
• This spreads the infection easily from one eye to the other if you rub the eye.
• The infected child should use personal items during an outbreak, such as towels, pillows, or eye drops.
• Wipe down toys, doorknobs, remotes, and mobile screens with disinfectant.
• Preventing the spread helps protect other kids and gives your child time to heal, so keep him at home from school.

Home Care Tips for Managing Eye Flu

Don’t worry if your child gets conjunctivitis. Most times, you can treat its symptoms at home. Try this:

Warm Compress

Put a towel in warm water, squeeze it and place it on the eyes of your child. It will reduce puffiness and soften mucus crusts.

Cleaning the Eyes

Use a wet, soft cloth to clean the mucus. Start wiping from the inside towards the outside and change the part of the cloth used for wiping every time.

Prescribed Eye Drops

Ensure to use eye drops or ointment properly as advised by the doctor. Apply them gently, and remember to wash your hands before and after using them.

Avoid Touching the Eyes

Tell your child not to touch or rub their eyes even when they are itchy.

Change Pillowcases and Towels Daily

To avoid infecting others, wash all fabrics using hot water.

Maintain Indoor Air Quality

Make sure your child does not come into contact with smoke, perfumes, or dust, as these may make the symptoms worse.

When to See a Doctor

Eye flu in children usually gets better after a short time, but doctors should be seen when:

• Eye redness or discharge lasts more than 4–5 days
• The child has pain or swelling that worsens
• Blurry vision or light sensitivity develops
• The child has a fever or is generally unwell
• The white part of the eye turns very red
• Your child is a newborn or under 1 year old
  
  

If this happens, take your child to a paediatrician or see an eye specialist. Parents may consider visiting HCG Hospitals, a well-known multispeciality hospital in India, to get specialised treatment for their kids.

Tips for Parents to Support Their Child’s Comfort

Dealing with a child who has eye flu can be difficult, but your help is very important. Here are some useful suggestions:

• Comfort your kid: Inform them that it is a temporary health condition that goes away with treatment, and everything will be normal after the infection clears.
• Engage them with screen-free activities: They can occupy themselves by reading, drawing, or playing games that do not require physical presence.
• Keep it cold: Open windows and don’t let the sun shine inside.
• Watch out for signs: Write down what they feel every day so that you can show the doctor.
• Make sure they drink enough: Tell your child to take water and eat fruits with lots of vitamin C as they get better.

Conclusion

Eye flu is a normal condition among kids that can easily be dealt with through proper attention. Parents must observe, stop transmission, and promote recovery using natural treatments. However, if the condition continues to worsen, they can take the child to HCG, the best ophthalmology hospital in India, for prompt care and support.