Conjunctivitis is caused by various factors, including viruses, bacteria, or certain allergens. Some people can also get conjunctivitis with the flu or other viral infections.

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Conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, can cause the whites of your eyes to turn pink or red. You may experience symptoms like redness, swelling, or itchiness, and you may find that your eyes tear up easily.

It’s a very contagious condition and can quickly spread from one person to another through touching hands or other physical contact, as well as sharing items of personal hygiene such as towels.

The flu, or influenza, is a respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses, and it’s also contagious. Experts believe the flu spreads from tiny droplets expelled when people cough, talk, or sneeze.

Other people can then inhale these droplets and come down with the illness. The droplets may also land on different surfaces, such as tables, and then people touch them and touch their noses, mouths, or eyes.

Keep reading to learn more about the flu and conjunctivitis, their causes and symptoms, and how to prevent them.

Various factors can cause conjunctivitis or pink eye. There are three different types of conjunctivitis:

  • Viral conjunctivitis: This type of conjunctivitis is caused by a virus, such as adenoviruses, and it’s extremely contagious, so it can spread easily to other people. Viral conjunctivitis can also occur when you have a cold or a respiratory infection. It typically goes away within 1 to 2 weeks without any treatment, but it may sometimes require antiviral medication.
  • Bacterial conjunctivitis: Bacterial conjunctivitis is usually caused by bacteria such as Haemophilus influenza, and it’s very contagious. Depending on the severity of the condition, antibiotics may be necessary to treat this type of conjunctivitis.
  • Allergic conjunctivitis: This type is caused by allergens, such as dust or pollen, that irritate the eye and it’s not contagious. Preventing exposure to the particular allergen that causes your condition can usually resolve symptoms.

Viral conjunctivitis

Viruses known to cause viral conjunctivitis include:

Symptoms

Symptoms you may experience with conjunctivitis include:

  • pink or red color in the white of the eye from visible blood vessels
  • swelling of the eyelids or a thin layer that lines the white of the eye
  • crusting of eyelids or lashes, especially in the morning
  • watery, teary eyes
  • eye discharge (pus or mucus) that may be clear, yellow, white, or green
  • itching
  • irritation
  • burning of the eye
  • feeling like something is in the eye
  • an urge to rub the eye

The flu can be a mild or severe illness, depending on people’s overall health and immune system. Some people may have the flu and be completely asymptomatic, but most people will experience any of the following:

  • fever
  • chills
  • cough
  • sore throat
  • runny or stuffy nose
  • muscle or body aches
  • headaches
  • fatigue (tiredness)
  • some people may have vomiting and diarrhea, though this is more common in children

You may have the flu without having a fever.

You may have conjunctivitis and the flu at the same time, as it’s possible to have viral conjunctivitis at the same time as a cold or respiratory illness. The flu is not known to directly cause conjunctivitis.

Studies suggest an association between the flu and conjunctivitis, but cannot confirm that the flu caused conjunctivitis symptoms, which could be due to another viral infection.

You can usually manage these two conditions at home. Cold compresses can help relieve eye inflammation caused by conjunctivitis, and over-the-counter (OTC) eye drops could help ease dryness and itchiness.

Mild cases of conjunctivitis will usually resolve in about 2 weeks, but depending on the severity, it can take 2 to 3 weeks for it to go away completely.

If you have the flu, drinking plenty of fluids to avoid dehydration and resting when you need to should help treat the condition. You can take acetaminophen to treat any muscle pain or lower your fever, or anti-inflammatories such as ibuprofen.

People who are at increased risk of complications may need medication. In these cases, a doctor can prescribe antiviral medications. Risks include:

  • pregnancy
  • lung disease
  • diabetes
  • heart disease

It’s important to note that antibiotics cannot treat the flu, as antibiotics can only help if you have a bacterial infection.

You can try to prevent viral conjunctivitis and the flu by washing your hands thoroughly and avoiding contact with people who have the condition. It’s also important to sanitize surfaces often, especially if you or someone else has had the condition.

To protect yourself further, make sure to get the flu vaccine as well. Vaccines help your body build antibodies against certain diseases. Vaccines are also available for viruses that can cause conjunctivitis such as:

  • rubella
  • measles
  • chickenpox
  • shingles
  • pneumococcal
  • Haemophilus influenzae type b (Hib)

Usually, both conjunctivitis and the flu can be managed at home with conservative treatment such as resting or drinking plenty of fluids. If you have conjunctivitis, contact your doctor if you’re experiencing:

  • eye pain
  • light sensitivity
  • blurred vision that does not improve when you wipe your eyes
  • intense eye redness
  • have bacterial conjunctivitis which does not improve after 24 hours of antibiotic use
  • weakened immune system

If you have the flu, contact your doctor if your symptoms persist and you’re experiencing any sudden chest pain, confusion, or difficulty breathing.

Conjunctivitis, or pink eye, is a contagious condition that causes the whites of your eye to turn red and can cause swelling. It usually goes away in about two weeks without treatment, depending on the severity of your symptoms.

The flu is a respiratory illness that can cause fever and muscle aches, and can also spread through contact with other people who have the condition. The flu vaccine can help build antibodies against the disease.

You can have the flu and conjunctivitis at the same time, although it’s not common for the flu to cause conjunctivitis.

Contact a doctor if you have any of these conditions and you think your symptoms are worsening. They can advise you on next steps and potential treatment pathways.