How contagious is conjunctivitis?
A. Conjunctivitis is highly contagious for approximately ten to fourteen days, and its symptoms can last up to two to three weeks. It is typically transmitted through contact, and is usually passed on by someone with conjunctivitis. However, this virus can present as a cold in one person and as conjunctivitis in someone else. It can be contracted through the shaking of hands, but also through objects. The virus is very hearty and has been cultured for up to several weeks on an object once it had been contaminated. So it is very contagious. Patients need to be vigilant about hand washing and objects they touch need to be kept clean.
