Conjunctivitis: No need to panic, will clear off in 1-2 weeks

The Ministry of Health and Population has said there is no point in getting panicked over the viral conjunctivitis spreading lately at different parts of the country.

According to Ministry joint spokesperson Dr Samir Kumar Adhikari, infection is manageable within home if it is cared and handled properly. The infection will clear off in one to two weeks.

As the Ministry said, currently the cases of viral conjunctivitis are seen at various districts in the country, leading to an influx of patients at hospitals. The disease is easily transmittable from one person to another as it is of a contagious nature.

He advised the people to observe a physical distance with the infected ones, not to unnecessarily join the crowd including market, and not to use belongings such as handkerchief, towel, pillow and bed sheet used by the infected persons.

Similarly, everyone is urged to refrain from touching eyes unnecessarily, and if necessary, it is recommended to first wash hands with soap and water, to employ cold compress by closing eyelids, to take plenty of water and nutritious food, to wear a sunglasses during exposure to alleviate conjunctivitis discomforts and to not rub eyes.

It is essential to ensure that belonging to individuals who are infected are diligently sanitized before being used by others, according to Dr Adhikari.

Red eyes and itching, watery discharge, light sensitivity, burning, and tear are among the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis.