Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis)

• Infection usually caused by a virus and sometimes bacteria
• Common in day care and school-aged children

Signs and Symptoms

• Red swollen eye(s). After sleeping, there may be thick yellow discharge and crusting on or around the eye(s).
• The eye(s) are often itchy but not painful.
• It can take 24 to 72 hours for symptoms to appear after coming in contact with Pink Eye.
• If left untreated, Pink Eye can last from 2 days to 2-3 weeks.

Spread

• It is highly contagious.
• Usually spreads by contact with eye and nasal discharge, and by soiled articles (i.e. toys, tissues, towels, etc.).

Treatment

• If the infection is caused by bacteria, antibiotic eye drops can be given

Prevention

• Make sure that you and your child wash your hands very carefully after touching or wiping the child’s eyes and nose.
• Do not share towels, and change pillowcases often.

A child will have to stay home if he/she has Pink Eye. He/she can return to day care/school 24 hrs after starting treatment with antibiotics or when the symptoms are no longer present.