As the summer sun beats down with intensity, another seasonal threat is quietly making its rounds—eye flu, or viral conjunctivitis. Hospitals and clinics across India are reporting a spike in cases of red, itchy, and watery eyes, prompting health authorities to issue advisories on prevention and early care.  Commonly referred to as “eye flu,” viral conjunctivitis is a highly contagious infection that tends to spread more rapidly during the hot and humid months.

The condition is characterized by redness of the eyes, swelling of the eyelids, excessive tearing, a gritty sensation, and sensitivity to light. While not usually severe, the infection can be particularly uncomfortable and, in some cases, lead to complications if left untreated. 

Dr. Neha Chawla, an ophthalmologist at a government hospital in Delhi, notes a sharp rise in patients complaining of eye irritation and discharge in recent weeks. “The combination of high temperatures, increased sweating, and shared use of personal items like towels or cosmetics makes it easier for the virus to spread. Children and office-goers are particularly vulnerable, especially in crowded settings like schools and public transport,” she explains.

  The infection spreads through direct contact with an infected person’s tears, secretions, or contaminated surfaces. Simply rubbing one’s eyes after touching a doorknob or a shared object can be enough to trigger the onset of symptoms. Experts warn that poor hygiene practices, such as touching the eyes with unwashed hands or using shared makeup, can significantly raise the risk of transmission. 

Health authorities are emphasizing the need for preventive hygiene to contain the spread. Regular handwashing with soap, avoiding close contact with infected individuals, and refraining from sharing personal items such as handkerchiefs, towels, or eye drops are key steps in keeping the infection at bay. Those who develop symptoms should avoid crowded places, wear dark glasses to reduce photophobia and prevent further spread, and seek medical attention promptly.  Dr. Chawla stresses that self-medication with over-the-counter drops should be avoided.

“People often use steroid-based eye drops without consulting a doctor, which can worsen the condition or lead to complications. It’s important to get a proper diagnosis to determine whether the conjunctivitis is viral, bacterial, or allergic in nature,” she advises.  To manage the condition, doctors usually recommend lubricating eye drops, cold compresses, and maintaining strict eye hygiene. Most cases resolve within a week, but patients are advised to avoid wearing contact lenses or applying makeup during the infection period. 

Schools, offices, and public health departments are being urged to step up awareness efforts, including the display of posters and distribution of pamphlets detailing basic do’s and don’ts. In some cities, mobile eye care units have been deployed to screen communities and provide early intervention. 

As India continues to grapple with the challenges of rising summer temperatures, experts believe that seasonal outbreaks of eye flu can be effectively managed through simple, consistent hygiene practices. Staying alert to early symptoms and adopting preventive care can go a long way in protecting not just individual health, but public health at large.