According to the Central Eye Hospital, pink eye (conjunctivitis) is an eye infection, usually caused by bacteria or viruses or an allergic reaction, with typical symptoms of red eyes.

Bilateral conjunctivitis is the most common form of conjunctivitis caused by adenovirus. The disease manifests itself suddenly with red eyes, a lot of eye discharge, often accompanied by a sore throat. "It should be differentiated from conjunctivitis caused by chlamydia bacteria, other viral strains and even allergic conjunctivitis," noted Dr. Hoang Cuong (Central Eye Hospital).

The most severe form of infection is caused by adenovirus. The disease is always accompanied by red eyes and may have pseudomembranes. Other symptoms are slight photophobia, conjunctival edema, and slight subconjunctival hemorrhage. After one eye is infected, the other eye will also be infected, usually 4-5 days after the onset, with milder symptoms than the first eye because the body has begun to develop immunity against the virus.

The virus is highly contagious and there is no specific treatment. Transmission usually occurs in small populations with close contact between individuals.

"After an incubation period of about 8 days, the eyes become red, with eye discharge mixed with water, accompanied by a feeling of foreign objects in the eyes. Other signs that can be seen include painful swelling of the lymph nodes in front of the ear, and raised papules on the tarsal conjunctiva. These two symptoms highly suggest that the patient has adenovirus conjunctivitis," said Dr. Cuong.

Viral infections can be self-limiting but can also spread and cause multiple organ failure in immunocompromised patients.

"Love" can also easily spread pink eye

According to Dr. Hoang Cuong, pink eye is an acute disease with dramatic symptoms, easily transmitted but usually benign, leaving few sequelae. However, the disease often has a great impact on daily life, study and work, there are many cases of prolonged illness, causing complications affecting vision later, so everyone needs to be aware of disease prevention and need to be treated promptly when sick.

The virus spreads through infected hands, paper, towels... and any object that the patient touches can also be a potential source of infection.

It is worth noting that although it is not a sexually transmitted disease, "love" can easily spread pink eye.

Regarding the unexpected transmission of pink eye, Dr. Hoang Cuong explained: "The mucous membranes of people with pink eye (mouth, throat, respiratory tract, eyes, genitals, digestive tract) all have the virus that causes the disease. When "making love" there is direct contact, including "exchanging saliva", so the virus is easily spread."

How to prevent pink eye

Adenovirus has long been known as the leading cause of pink eye. To prevent pink eye, the Department of Preventive Medicine (Ministry of Health) instructs: everyone should regularly wash their hands with soap and clean water; do not rub their eyes, nose, or mouth; do not share personal items such as eye drops, towels, eyeglasses, or masks.

Clean eyes, nose, and throat daily with saline solution and regular eye and nose drops.

Use soap or common disinfectants to disinfect the patient's belongings and utensils; limit contact with people who are sick or suspected of having pink eye.

Patients and people suspected of having pink eye need to limit contact with others; need to take time off from school/work to avoid infecting people around them and spreading to the community; go to a medical facility for examination, consultation, and timely treatment; do not self-treat without instructions from medical staff to avoid serious complications.