Eye Flu Surge Amid India's Flood Crisis

Highlights:

India's recent floods have led to a surge in eye flu cases, primarily due to increased exposure to dirty water and crowded conditions
Recognizing eye flu symptoms, such as eye redness, increased tears, and a gritty sensation, can enable early detection and treatment
Prevention hinges on good personal hygiene, avoiding touching the face and eyes with dirty hands, and not sharing personal items

India, a country known for its monsoon season, is currently experiencing a significant uptick in cases of conjunctivitis, also known as 'eye flu,' triggered by the recent floods. This common eye ailment is contagious and can spread rapidly in crowded and unhygienic conditions often seen in flood-hit areas. To protect ourselves and our loved ones, understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures is crucial.

About Conjunctivitis | Pink Eye
Conjunctivitis or Pink Eye causes redness and soreness of the conjunctiva and is responsible for 1% of all emergency visits to a hospital.

‘Rising cases of #EyeFlu amid #IndiaFloods highlight the need for vigilance. Know the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures to stay safe. #PublicHealthAwareness’

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What Causes Eye Flu?

Conjunctivitis, commonly known as 'eye flu,' is inflammation or infection of the transparent membrane (conjunctiva) that lines your eyelid and covers the white part of your eyeball. It's usually caused by a bacterial or viral infection, an allergic reaction, or in rare cases, an irritant in the eye (). During floods, the chances of bacterial and viral infections increase due to exposure to dirty water and poor hygiene conditions.

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Floods and Rise in Eye Flu Cases

Floods create an environment that facilitates the spread of conjunctivitis. Floodwaters can carry infectious bacteria and viruses, which can easily contaminate anything they touch, including hands and clothing. When people touch their eyes, either to remove debris or because of an itch, they could potentially introduce these infectious agents, causing eye flu. Furthermore, during floods, people often live in crowded relief camps or shelters where the proximity of people facilitates the spread of conjunctivitis. With limited access to clean water for washing hands and faces, and the shared use of towels or bedding, the infection can rapidly spread among the inhabitants.

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Symptoms of Eye Flu

Recognizing the symptoms of eye flu can help in its early detection and management. Symptoms may include redness in the white of the eye, increased tear production, a burning sensation or itchiness in the eyes, sensitivity to light, a gritty feeling in the eye, and a yellow or green discharge from the eye (). If any of these symptoms appear, it's important to seek medical help immediately.

Conjunctivitis / Madras Eye Prevention
Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis or Madras eye spreads through eye secretions. Simple hygiene methods can protect you from conjunctivitis or pink eye.

How to Prevent Eye Flu?

The best way to prevent eye flu, especially during flood situations, is to maintain good personal hygiene. This includes regularly washing hands with soap, not touching the face or eyes with dirty hands, and avoiding close contact with infected individuals. Sharing personal items such as towels, pillows, and eye makeup should be strictly avoided.

If someone is already infected, it's important to prevent the spreading of the infection. This means washing hands often, not touching or rubbing the eyes, using a clean cloth to wipe the face, and washing pillowcases, sheets, and towels regularly.

Treatment of Eye Flu

The treatment for eye flu primarily involves relieving the symptoms while the body fights off the infection. Over-the-counter eye drops or artificial tears can help alleviate the symptoms. For bacterial infections, antibiotic eye drops may be prescribed. In some cases, antihistamines or anti-inflammatory drops may also be recommended to relieve allergic reactions or inflammation ().

Raising Public Awareness of Eye Flu

In times of flood disasters, the rapid rise of diseases such as eye flu underscores the need for effective public health awareness campaigns. Disseminating information about the causes, symptoms, and prevention of eye flu can significantly mitigate its spread.

As floodwaters surge in parts of India, so does the risk of eye flu. By understanding the causes and symptoms, practicing good hygiene, and seeking immediate treatment if symptoms occur, we can curb the spread of this disease. In times of disaster, maintaining the overall health and well-being of a community is as important as addressing the immediate needs for food, shelter, and safety. So, let's keep an eye on eye health too!

References:

Conjunctivitis - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK541034/)
Viral Conjunctivitis - (https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/books/NBK470271/)
Conjunctivitis: a systematic review of diagnosis and treatment - (https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24150468/)

Source-Medindia