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The contagious period for pink eye depends entirely on the cause. Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious and can spread for 10 to 14 days, or as long as the eyes are red and weeping. Bacterial conjunctivitis is also contagious but usually stops spreading about 24 to 48 hours after starting antibiotic treatment. Allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious at all.
read more about conjunctivitis contagious period ...Most viral pink eye is caused by adenovirus. This virus is very tough and can live on surfaces like doorknobs and countertops for weeks. Data shows that people infected with adenovirus can "shed" the virus for days before symptoms appear and for up to two weeks after they start. This long shedding period is why outbreaks often sweep through schools and workplaces so quickly.
Bacterial pink eye is less common than viral but still spreads easily through direct contact. It causes a thick, yellow or green discharge. Once antibiotic drops are started, the bacteria die quickly. Doctors typically consider a patient "non-contagious" once they have been on antibiotics for 24 hours and the discharge has stopped. Without antibiotics, it can remain contagious for 10 days or more.
The CDC and many school districts have specific rules for returning. Generally, you can return to school or work when you no longer have a fever and the eye discharge has stopped. For bacterial cases, this is usually 24 hours after starting drops. For viral cases, you may need to stay home longer if you have a lot of tearing and cannot avoid touching your eyes or sharing equipment.
It is possible to spread pink eye before you know you have it. The incubation period, the time between catching the germ and showing symptoms, is usually 24 to 72 hours. During this time, you might rub your eyes and touch shared surfaces, unknowingly leaving the virus or bacteria behind for others to pick up.
Yes. Clear, watery discharge is the main sign of viral pink eye, which is the most contagious type. You should assume any discharge that is not from allergies is infectious.
Yes. Adenovirus can survive in water that is not properly chlorinated. You can also get chemical conjunctivitis from the chlorine itself, but that type is not contagious.
Yes. The virus and bacteria can live on pillowcases and towels. You should wash them in hot water and detergent every day until the infection is gone to protect yourself and others.
You should see a doctor if you have eye pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, as these are not normal symptoms of simple pink eye. If your newborn baby has pink eye, you must see a doctor immediately, as this can be a sign of a serious infection that can damage their vision.