How is conjunctivitis spread?
Bacterial or viral conjunctivitis may be spread by the hands. When someone with conjunctivitis rubs the irritated eye, the germs get on their hands. When the person touches their other eye or touches someone else, the germs are passed on. The germs are also spread on towels, face cloths, tissues, and anything else that touches the eye or the hands. When another person touches these things they can pick up the germs. How soon do symptoms of conjunctivitis appear? A person can get bacterial conjunctivitis 2 to 3 days after being in contact with someone who has pink eye. Viral conjunctivitis takes from 12 hours to 3 days to appear, after being in contact with someone who it. Who gets conjunctivitis? Anyone can get conjunctivitis, but it is most common among children. Diagnosis is based on a physical exam and, in some cases, culturing a sample of the discharge from the eye. Treatment depends on the cause: • If a bacterial infection is suspected, antibiotic eye drops or ointment may be pres
