Pink eye spread how long

Section Navigation. Facebook Twitter LinkedIn Syndicate. Minus Related Pages. Preventing the Spread of Conjunctivitis. Related Links. Links with this icon indicate that you are leaving the CDC website. Several viruses and bacteria can cause conjunctivitis pink eye , some of which are very contagious. Each of these types of germs can spread from person to person in different ways.

They usually spread from an infected person to others through. However, if you still have symptoms, and your activities at work or school include close contact with other people, you should not attend. Mayo Clinic is a nonprofit organization and proceeds from Web advertising help support our mission.

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This content does not have an English version. This content does not have an Arabic version. See more conditions. Request Appointment. Pink eye: How long is it contagious? Products and services. How long is pink eye contagious? The eye infection will get better on its own as the body fights off the virus. If you have allergic conjunctivitis, your doctor may prescribe anti-allergy eyedrops or medicine in pill form. Because infectious conjunctivitis is highly contagious, wash your hands after interacting with anyone who has the infection.

Don't share potentially infected items like washcloths, towels, gauze, or cotton balls. This can be difficult among family members, so just do the best you can.

If you have pinkeye, it's important to wash your hands often, especially after touching your eyes. The infection can easily spread from one eye to the other on contaminated hands or tissues. It's also wise not to share cosmetics, especially eye makeup.

Bacteria can hang out on beauty products, so avoid using the testers at makeup counters directly on your eyes. And if you've already had a bout of pinkeye, throw away all your eye makeup and splurge on new stuff but don't start using your new products until the infection is completely gone. If you wear contact lenses and you have pinkeye, your doctor or eye doctor may recommend that you not wear contact lenses while infected. After the infection is gone, clean your lenses carefully.

Be sure to disinfect the lenses and case at least twice before wearing them again. If you wear disposable contact lenses, throw away your current pair and use a new pair.