How Does Pink-Eye Spread?
- Pink eye, also known as conjunctivitis, is a viral or bacterial infection that causes the conjunctiva of the eye to become inflamed. The conjunctiva is see-through membrane that covers the white of the eye and under the eyelids. Pink-eye is incredibly contagious and causes the eye to become irritated and pink or red.
- Pink eye is usually associated with the same bacteria and viruses that cause infection during a flu or cold. It can also be caused by environmental irritants, allergies and sexually transmitted diseases.
- Pink eye is severely contagious and can spread through indirect contact and direct contact. Pink eye can be spread indirectly by sharing towels, swimming in contaminated pool water or touching dirty tissues.
- Pink eye can also be spread directly. The most common way for pink eye to spread directly is through touch, but it can also be spread through coughing or sneezing. The infection can also spread from one eye to the other by rubbing or touching one eye and then rubbing or touching the unaffected eye.
