Conjunctivitis cases rise in the Tricity, experts advise caution

“The infection resolves within four to five days, and as it is highly contagious, people who are infected should not go out in public and also maintain a distance from family members. It is important to follow hand hygiene and not touch your eyes and if there is a discharge, be more careful not to transmit the infection. Consult your doctor and do not self-medicate,” says Dr Pandav.

Dr Saurabh Kapoor, consultant, Neonatology, Paediatrics, Max Super Speciality Hospital, Mohali, says that recently there has been a significant rise in the cases of conjunctivitis in children and this is mostly because of the change in weather and the rise in infections.

“Children are coming with redness, watering, itching, and pain in eyes with sticky discharge. In a few cases, periorbital and lid edema is also seen. We advise everyone to maintain hygiene, especially hand hygiene. Avoid coming in contact with infected children and adults, more so in schoolgoing children. Consult your doctor immediately to seek appropriate medical advice.”

This week, says Dr Maj Rajiv Kumar Gupta, department of internal medicine, Max Superspeciality, the department has seen a surge in eye flu cases in both children and adults. The infection, he adds, is communicable and found in children initially and then spreads to adults in the family too. First, one eye is affected, the initial symptoms being itchy and red eyes and discomfort, and then the other eye is infected.

“The infection is self-limiting and associated with fever and body aches. Some children can also manifest gastric symptoms. Good hydration with three to four litres of daily liquid intake and mild analgesia helps, along with adequate rest. Try to avoid self-medication and unnecessary antibiotic usage as drug reactions have become common after Covid. It is advisable to see your doctor and get appropriate treatment and advice.”

According to Dr Suman Singh, Director, Health Services, there are many cases being reported and so the health department has issued a general advisory for the public. Also, as per the health department, all medical facilities in the city have an adequate stock of medicines to treat eye flu and medication must be used after consultation with a medical practitioner.