It is contagious and can spread from one person to the other. If one person in the family is infected, others may become infected too. For this reason, it is important for people who have bacterial conjunctivitis to take steps to avoid passing it on to others, such as practicing good hygiene. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious, and you may be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms first appear. Viral pinkeye can be contagious for two weeks. There is even a minor association between conjunctivitis and COVID-19. Bacterial conjunctiviti: The contagious phase of bacterial pink eye lasts from the time symptoms appear until there is no more discharge from the eye. Conjunctivitis caused by allergies like hay fever makes eyes red and watery but is not contagious. 372.04 Pseudomembranous conjunctivitis 2010 ICD-10 1. It can also be a result of some allergy, plugged tear duct or rigorous scratching of the eye. 372.00 Acute Conjunctivitis unspecified 2. Each of these types of germs can spread from person to person in different ways. Would you like to write for us? If you get the infection then take proper preventive measures to avoid its spread. But till your treatment has not started, avoid going to public places as it can spread to other people. Among all the causes of conjunctivitis, bacterial and viral infections are the most contagious ones. If you are not able to get r… Types of newborn conjunctivitis include: Chemical conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis can be caused due to infection of bacteria and virus. Other causes can be bacterial infections, allergies, chemicals, irritation from contact lenses, or eye injury. The eye drops stay in the eye for a longer time as compared to the ointment. However, if you still have symptoms, and your activities at work or school include close contact with other people, you should not attend. It is very contagious, which means that it can be spread easily from person to person. Besides, a pink eye diagnosis doesn’t necessarily mean you’re contagious either. For example, Chloramphenicol is used to treat Gram Negative and Gram Positive bacteria, Fusidic acid is used against Staphylococcal infection, Gentamicin is used against Pseudomonas aeruginosa, etc. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, the thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and the whites of the eyes (called the sclera). 0 thank. A doctor will determine if you have bacterial conjunctivitis, viral conjunctivitis, allergic conjunctivitis, and suggest the … Conjunctivitis is most often the result of viruses, such as those that cause the common cold. Staphylococcus aureus; Haemophilus influenzae; Streptococcus pneumoniae; Moraxella catarrhalis; Bacterial conjunctivitis can spread from person to person, from hand-to-eye contact or via eye contact with contaminated objects. Other symptoms associated with other types of conjunctivitis, such as mucous discharge and gritty eyes linked to bacterial infection. If you are not able to get relief from antibiotics then consult a doctor for assistance. You must be treated with antibiotic drops or ointments in case of bacterial infection. Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are very contagious. Several viruses and bacteria can cause conjunctivitis (pink eye), some of which are very contagious. There are a number of causes of conjunctivitis, including highly contagious viral and bacterial infections. What are the Real Blue Light Effects on Our Bodies? The eyes are often red and inflamed, starting a few hours after the drops have been put in the eye. While not all types of conjunctivitis require treatment, some can develop into … It is mandatory to procure user consent prior to running these cookies on your website. But opting out of some of these cookies may have an effect on your browsing experience. If you're not sure it's conjunctivitis The most common eye infection is pink eye, also called conjunctivitis. The causative agents include Streptococcus pneumoniae, Staphylococcus aureus, or Hemophylus influenzae. It must be noted that conjunctivitis is a contagious infection. ... and may be the most contagious forms. This website uses cookies to improve your experience while you navigate through the website. If eyes are red and feel gritty, the conjunctivitis is also usually contagious. Linking to a non-federal website does not constitute an endorsement by CDC or any of its employees of the sponsors or the information and products presented on the website.