Is pink eye contagious before the symptoms appear?
Infectious conjunctivitis, whether bacterial or viral, can be quite contagious.Someone with conjunctivitis may be contagious for seven to 14 days after signs and symptoms first appear. Good hygiene can help prevent the spread of conjunctivitis. Avoid re-using handkerchiefs and towels to wipe your face and eyes. Wash your hands frequently Keep your hands away from your eyes Properly clean your contact lenses Change your pillowcase often. Discard eye cosmetics, particularly mascara. Don’t use anyone else’s eye cosmetics or personal eye-care items. _________________ Viral infection is the most common cause of conjunctivitis. This same virus produces the symptoms of a common cold. Symptoms of conjunctivitis can last from one to two weeks and then will disappear on their own. Bacterial infections, such as staphylococcus or streptococcus, cause a type of conjunctivitis that produces considerable amounts of pus. Some bacterial infections, however, are more chronic and may produce little or no
