SHILLONG, Aug 20: Amid rising number of cases of Conjunctivitis being reported across the district, the office of the District Medical and Health Officer of East Khasi Hills, in the interest of public health, has issued a health advisory so as to sensitise the people and help them in thwarting the spread of the infection.
Conjunctivitis, also known as the eye flu or pink eye, is highly contagious and spreads easily from one person to the other through direct contact with the eye secretion of the infected person or indirectly through contaminated objects.
Symptoms include redness and swelling of the eyes, watery discharge, pain or gritty sensation in the eyes, itching, difficulty in tolerating light and eyelids may stick together in the morning.
DOs
• Practice personal health hygiene by frequently washing your hands with soap
• If you are infected isolate yourself at home and avoid coming into contact with others till the redness of the eyes disappears
• If the symptoms persist for more than 5 days or there is decrease in vision, severe pain, intolerance to light and presence of thick discharge, consult a doctor
DON’Ts
• Avoid sharing of personal items
• Avoid touching eyes
• Do not use contact lenses
• Don’t go to school/colleges/office/work if you are infected until the redness of the eyes subsides
