How long is viral conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral conjunctivitis can spread for up to 10–14 days, especially while the eyes are red and watering.

When can a child return to school after conjunctivitis?

For bacterial conjunctivitis, usually 24 hours after starting antibiotics; for viral conjunctivitis, when the eyes are no longer red and watering; allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious.

Conjunctivitis (Red Eye): Home Care and When to Return to School or Work

Conjunctivitis ("pink eye" or "eye flu") is inflammation of the thin layer covering the white of the eye. Most cases get better on their own, but some red eyes are serious. ગુજરાતીમાં વાંચો (Read in Gujarati).

Contact us the same day (or go to an eye emergency) if you have:

Eye pain (not just grittiness), or sensitivity to light
Blurred vision that does not clear with blinking
A red eye in a contact lens wearer
Injury, a chemical splash or something hitting the eye
A red, sticky eye in a newborn baby
Severe headache, nausea or haloes around lights

The three common types

Type	Typical signs	Spreads to others?	Treatment
Viral (most common, "eye flu")	Watery eyes, grittiness, often starts in one eye then the other, sometimes with a cold or sore throat	Yes, very easily, for up to 10–14 days	Cold compresses, lubricating drops, hygiene. Antibiotics do not help.
Bacterial	Sticky yellow or green discharge, lids stuck together in the morning	Yes	Often settles on its own; antibiotic drops shorten it
Allergic	Itching, both eyes, watery, often seasonal or with dust and pets	No	Avoid triggers, cold compresses, anti-allergy drops

Home care

Clean the lids with boiled, cooled water and fresh cotton for each eye.
Cold compresses and lubricating drops ease discomfort.
Stop wearing contact lenses until the eye is completely better, and throw away the lenses and case used during the infection.
Do not use steroid eye drops unless an eye doctor has examined you: they can make some infections much worse.
Do not use home remedies such as breast milk, rose water or herbal pastes in the eye.

Stop it spreading

Wash hands often, especially after touching the eyes.
Do not share towels, pillows, make-up or eye drops.
Clean door handles, phones and remote controls.
Avoid swimming pools until better.

When can my child go back to school, or I go back to work?

Type	Return
Viral	When the eyes are no longer red and watering, usually after 5–7 days. Follow your school or employer’s policy, as many ask for the discharge to have stopped.
Bacterial	Usually 24 hours after starting antibiotic drops, if the child feels well.
Allergic	No need to stay away.

Questions?

Message us on WhatsApp or call the clinic. Clinic hours: Monday to Saturday, 10 am to 1 pm and 5 pm to 8 pm.

WhatsApp us +91 70169 12180

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Eye care by an AIIMS-trained ophthalmologist; dental care by an MDS endodontist — both dedicated specialists in their respective fields.

Vast Experience

Dr. Dhaval Patel brings 15+ years of clinical experience since starting his ophthalmology residency at AIIMS, New Delhi in 2011.

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Conjunctivitis and Red Eye

Home care, spreading, school and work