According to media reports and German doctors, in Germany cases of infection with a new virus, which has already been dubbed eye flu, have become increasingly common. An eye flu epidemic was already noted in 2016 in Bonn. Even then, it became clear that the problem was serious, since no antibiotics acted on the patients. The consequence of this pathology was an outbreak of diseases of the respiratory system and gastrointestinal tract.
At the same time, the causative agents of the disease have not yet been studied. There is also no adequate therapy. Now the only thing experts can talk about with confidence is about methods for preventing infection. So what is eye flu and how to deal with it?
What are the symptoms of eye flu?
According to specialists from the Federal Center for Health Education in Germany, the first symptoms of eye flu are very similar to standard conjunctivitis. First, redness is noted on one eye, then a swelling appears on the other. A feeling may appear as if under the eyelid some kind of foreign body. As the disease develops, severe itching occurs in the eyes, sensitivity to light is noted.
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General weakness, an increase in body temperature to high values, and tearing can also occur.
The incubation period after infection is 5-12 days. And as soon as the first signs of the disease appear, a person can be called contagious to others. Doctors call eye flu insidious, because it is resistant to drugs, and is also considered highly contagious (that is, it is very easy to get infected with it). In addition, it is characterized by a long duration of complications – for example, many who have had an infection complain of “clouding” in their eyes for several more weeks. The only thing that can slightly alleviate a person’s condition, doctors say, is eye drops with cyclosporine.
How does infection happen?
You can get eye flu directly through physical contact. For example, it could be a handshake when one person rubbed his eyes and then extended his hand to you. Viruses quickly get into the eyes and begin their destructive activity. Also, door handles and handrails are called as a source of hypothetical danger due to the ability to save viruses on surfaces.
How is eye flu treated?
The disease with timely treatment can last about a week, in some cases, the cure takes two weeks. Therapy includes a comprehensive intake of drugs – antipyretic, analgesics and local. The therapy must be carried out under the supervision of a doctor, there should not be any independent attempts to cope with the problem, since delaying the time can lead to loss of vision.
What are the methods for preventing eye flu?
Doctors believe that the main measure of prevention of this disease is personal hygiene. Wash hands thoroughly and often. If infection nevertheless occurred, attention should be paid to disinfecting surfaces in the house.
What complications can be?
Untreated eye flu can lead to serious complications, including blepharitis and keratitis, which causes rotting in the eye and even complete loss of vision. In addition, such a disease may occur that adversely affects the ability to distinguish surrounding objects – neuritis, i.e., inflammation of the optic nerve.
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