Premium Nahrungsergänzungsmittel | artgerecht

Eye Flu: Causes, Symptoms and Treatment

Eye flu is a highly contagious viral conjunctivitis, most commonly caused by adenoviruses. It causes red, watery, and light-sensitive eyes.

Regular tips about health Regular tips about health

Things worth knowing about "Eye flu"

Eye flu is a highly contagious viral conjunctivitis, most commonly caused by adenoviruses. It causes red, watery, and light-sensitive eyes.

What is Eye Flu?

Eye flu is a colloquial term for a highly contagious viral inflammation of the conjunctiva, medically known as epidemic keratoconjunctivitis (EKC). It is most commonly caused by adenoviruses and is one of the most frequent eye conditions worldwide. The disease can affect both eyes and typically resolves on its own without specific antiviral treatment.

Causes

Eye flu is primarily caused by adenoviruses, particularly serotypes 8, 19, and 37. The virus spreads very easily through:

Direct contact with infected individuals (e.g., handshakes)
Touching contaminated surfaces and then rubbing the eyes
Sharing towels, cosmetics, or contact lenses
Respiratory droplets (less common)

The virus is extremely resilient and can survive on surfaces for several weeks.

Symptoms

Symptoms of eye flu usually begin in one eye and often spread to the other. Common complaints include:

Intense redness of the conjunctiva
Tearing and watery discharge from the eye
Light sensitivity (photophobia)
Foreign body sensation or burning in the eye
Swollen eyelids
Swollen lymph nodes in front of the ear (preauricular lymphadenopathy)
In severe cases: corneal opacities that may temporarily affect vision

General flu-like symptoms such as mild fever, sore throat, or fatigue may also occur.

Diagnosis

The diagnosis of eye flu is primarily clinical, based on typical symptoms and the course of the disease, as assessed by an ophthalmologist. In unclear cases or during outbreaks in communal settings, a rapid antigen test or PCR swab of conjunctival secretions may be performed to confirm the causative agent.

Treatment

Since eye flu is caused by viruses, antibiotics are not effective. Treatment is primarily symptomatic:

Cooling eye drops or artificial tears to relieve discomfort
Cold compresses applied to closed eyelids
Avoiding contact lenses during the illness
In severe cases with corneal involvement, steroid eye drops may be prescribed by a doctor
In cases of secondary bacterial superinfection: antibiotic eye drops

The illness typically lasts 2 to 4 weeks. Strict hygiene measures must be followed throughout this period to prevent further spread.

Contagion and Hygiene

Eye flu is extremely contagious. Those affected should:

Wash their hands frequently and thoroughly
Avoid rubbing their eyes
Use their own towels and washcloths
Avoid communal facilities such as swimming pools
Stay away from school, daycare, or healthcare settings while symptomatic

In many countries, individuals with confirmed epidemic keratoconjunctivitis are required to stay away from communal and healthcare settings until symptoms resolve, in order to prevent outbreaks.

References

Robert Koch Institute (RKI): Adenovirus Conjunctivitis. Information for medical professionals. www.rki.de
German Ophthalmological Society (DOG): Guideline on Diagnosis and Treatment of Infectious Conjunctivitis, 2021.
Jhanji V, Chan TC, Li EY, Agarwal K, Vajpayee RB: Adenoviral keratoconjunctivitis. Survey of Ophthalmology, 2015; 60(5): 435-443. PubMed.

Building Blocks for a Healthy Life

As an integrated manufacturer, we develop & produce evidence-based, patented, and non-patented formulations. We work exclusively with plant and natural extracts according to the strictest purity & quality standards.
The combination of science & modern technology with the laws of nature creates solutions consistently tailored to humans – for the highest good: health.