More than 11,500 conjunctivitis (eye-flu) cases have been reported in Government Medical College (GMC) and Hospital Jammu from across the region since its outbreak. The number is spiralling with each passing day.
Although the doctors have maintained that breaking the chain can control the contagious eye-flu. They have also cautioned that carelessness in treatment can damage eyesight.
The Head of Department Ophthalmology, GMC and Hospital, Jammu, Dr Ashok Sharma said, “Over 11, 500 cases of eye-flu have been reported in GMC hospital, Jammu. Number of the patients reporting to GMC hospital Jammu on daily basis is mounting as most of the infected people from various districts of the region and even Jammu city have reached here GMC Jammu hospital) at Bakshi Nagar after their condition has worsened.”
“The number of infected people will be much more than 11500 because maximum people do not report to the hospitals,” he said. “The infected people, mostly in rural areas, go to the chemists and get them treated.”
Dr Sharma said, “We are treating complicated cases.” “The people with eye-flu symptoms should report to the hospitals or consult the doctors because their cases can become complicated or untreatable if not tackled in time. They need to remember that eye-flu can affect eye-sight and can result in damage to the cornea,” he said.
He said that the people should volunteer themselves for treatment in the hospitals so that they could be provided better care. “However, there is no admission in the hospital. Our priority is to provide immediate treatment,” Dr Sharma said.
As the situation has worsened, the educational institutions in Jammu have also taken certain precautionary steps by advising students and staff members infected with eye-flu to stay home till they recover from the infection.
On August 10, the total number of cases was 9127 in all 10 districts of Jammu region – Jammu, Doda, Kathua, Kishtwar, Poonch, Rajouri, Ramban, Reasi, Samba, and Udhampur.
Majority of cases were reported from Jammu, Samba and Kathua.
What is Eye-Flue?
Eye flu, also known as conjunctivitis, is a common and highly contagious eye infection that affects the conjunctiva (the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye). Eye flu or conjunctivitis can be caused by viruses, bacteria, or allergies, leading to redness, itching, and excessive tearing.
Here are some of the symptoms of eye flu:
- Redness of the eyes
- Swelling of the eyelids
- Itching of the eyes
- Discharge from the eyes
- Pain in the eyes
- Sensitivity to light
- Blurred vision
If you experience any of these symptoms, it is important to see an eye doctor to get a diagnosis and treatment. The treatment for eye flu will depend on the cause of the infection.
For viral conjunctivitis, there is no specific treatment. However, your doctor may prescribe eye drops or ointments to help relieve the symptoms. Bacterial conjunctivitis can be treated with antibiotic eye drops or ointments. Allergic conjunctivitis can be treated with antihistamines or steroid eye drops.
In addition to medical treatment, there are a number of things you can do to help relieve the symptoms of eye flu:
- Apply a cold compress to your eyes.
- Use artificial tears to keep your eyes moist.
- Avoid rubbing your eyes.
- Wash your hands frequently.
- Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or makeup with others.
If you have eye flu, it is important to take steps to prevent the spread of the infection to others. This includes:
- Washing your hands frequently.
- Avoiding touching your eyes.
- Avoiding sharing towels, pillows, or makeup with others.
- Covering your mouth and nose when you cough or sneeze.
Eye flu is usually a mild infection that goes away on its own within a few weeks. However, in some cases, it can lead to more serious complications, such as corneal ulcers. If you have any concerns about your eye health, it is important to see an eye doctor.
