Our expert, eye surgeon César Sánchez Galeana, will explain to you the symptoms of the flu and everything about watery, itchy eyes and even why you get infected?
For anyone with flu symptoms you can’t miss, remember that the flu is everywhere these days in hot, cold and even summer weather.
What’s going on with the flu and allergies in the world?
according to World Health OrganizationApproximately one billion cases per year Seasonal influenza; of these, three to five million are severe. he The National Institutes of Health explains Seasonal influenza is a The annual incidence rate of acute viral infection is 5-10% in adults and 20-30% in children.
According to the World Health Organization, influenza kills up to 650,000 people every year. In industrialized countries, most influenza-related deaths occur among people aged 65 and older. he Cold causes 290,000 to 650,000 respiratory deaths every year.
According to the National Institutes of Health, Viral conjunctivitis is the most common cause of conjunctivitis, accounting for 80% of all cases. Winter weather conditions are favorable for the emergence of viral conjunctivitis, According to the Baviera Clinic, it is caused by the same virus that causes the influenza process.
According to the Mexican Ministry of Health, the overall prevalence of conjunctivitis in the country is 5 to 7 percent, rising by as much as 20 percentage points during the winter. Due to the presence of large amounts of dust or pollen in the environment.
Flu Symptoms, What You Need to Know
The common cold is one of the most common illnesses worldwide. It is estimated that the average adult may experience flu symptoms two to four times per year, and children may experience it more often.
Although colds can occur at any time of the year, they are most common in the fall and winter.estimate Globally, the costs associated with work and health care absences add up to considerable amounts.
Viruses: Influenza is caused by influenza A and B viruses. These viruses are highly contagious and can cause seasonal outbreaks and epidemics. In general, the effects of the common cold on the eyes are usually mild and temporary.. However, it is recommended to maintain good hygiene habits. Avoid touching your eyes with unwashed hands and seek medical advice if serious eye complications occur.
Most common questions when you have the flu
Why do eyes water when you have a cold?
Cytokines and histamine are released, causing conjunctival telangiectasia and conjunctival swelling.
Why do they turn red when I have the flu?
The conjunctiva produces follicles composed of clusters of inflammatory cells, which roughen the conjunctiva.
Why does it itch?
Histamine irritates the ciliary nerve, causing itching.
Influenza Eye Disease
Conjunctivitis. When we blow our noses, viral particles can reach the conjunctiva through the nasolacrimal ducts, causing viral conjunctivitis. Conjunctivitis is inflammation of the clear membrane (conjunctiva) between the eyelids and the eyeball.
When the small blood vessels in the conjunctiva become swollen and inflamed, they become more noticeable. This is what causes the white part of the eye to turn red or pink. Conjunctivitis is also known as “pink eye.”
This is usually caused by a viral infection. It can also be caused by a bacterial infection, an allergic reaction, or the baby’s tear ducts not opening completely. Although conjunctivitis can be troublesome, it rarely affects vision.
symptom
- One or both eyes are red.
- Itching in one or both eyes.
- A gritty feeling in one or both eyes.
- Discharge from one or both eyes forms a crust during the night, which may prevent you from opening one or both eyes in the morning.
- Sensitivity to light, or photophobia.
reason
- Virus
- bacteria
- allergy
- Certain chemicals are splashed into the eyes.
- There is a foreign body in the eye.
- Tear duct obstruction in newborns.
bacterial conjunctivitis
Most conjunctivitis is caused by adenovirus, But it can also be caused by other viruses, such as herpes simplex virus and varicella-zoster virus.
Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur with symptoms of a cold or respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that are not properly cleaned or are not your own can lead to bacterial conjunctivitis.
Both types are highly contagious. They are spread through direct or indirect contact with fluid discharged from the eyes of an infected person. One or both eyes may be affected.
complication
Conjunctivitis can cause inflammation of the cornea and may affect vision in children and adults. See your doctor if you:
- Eye pain.
- It feels like there is something in my eyes.
- Blurred vision.
- Sensitive to light.
- secretions
treat
Typically, treatment for conjunctivitis focuses on relieving symptoms.
- Use artificial tears
- Clean your eyelids with a damp cloth
- Apply cold or hot compresses several times a day
- If you wear contact lenses, it is recommended that you stop wearing them until your treatment is complete.
What’s wrong with COVID-19 and eyes?
The Ophthalmology Service of the Madrid Clinical Hospital reports, ““About one in 10 patients affected by COVID-19 will develop conjunctivitis.”
This eye infection “is usually mild and manifests as red, watery eyes and does not require special treatment. However, an increase in retinal vasculopathy (eg, venous thrombosis) and even rare cases of ocular inflammation or uveitis have been reported. “
Coronaviruses can cause mild follicular conjunctivitis that is much more severe than that caused by adenoviruses, the microorganisms most commonly responsible for this pathology. This type of conjunctivitis is called follicular conjunctivitis because it produces this type of inflammatory response in the conjunctiva.
In people infected with COVID-19, the coronavirus is present in tears and certain eye secretions (such as rhubarb fluid). Therefore, extreme precautions must be taken to avoid the spread of the virus through these secretions, avoid contact with the eyes, and in some cases use goggles.
symptom
- red eyes.
- Increased eye discharge.
- Feeling of a foreign body in the eye.
- Feeling uncomfortable when using contact lenses.
- Typically, symptoms of mild follicular conjunctivitis last from one week to 10 days.
treat
Treatment of mild follicular conjunctivitis is initially based on supportive measures; that is, application of serum, cold cloths, and antihistamine eye drops in case of pruritus. Remember, cleaning with a saline solution can help relieve itching and eliminate the feeling of a foreign object in the eye.
What is uveitis?
Uveitis is a form of eye inflammation. It affects the middle layer of eye wall tissue (the uvea). Warning signs of uveitis often appear suddenly and get worse quickly. These include eye redness, pain, and blurred vision. This condition can occur in one or both eyes and can affect people of all ages, including children.
Possible causes of uveitis include infection, injury, autoimmune disease, or inflammatory disease. Many times the cause cannot be determined. Uveitis can be serious and cause permanent vision loss. Early diagnosis and treatment are important to prevent complications and protect vision.
symptom
- Eyes are red.
- Eye pain.
- Sensitive to light.
- Blurred vision.
- Black spots floating in the field of vision (floaters).
- Decreased vision.
- Symptoms may appear suddenly or worsen rapidly, but in some cases they may appear gradually. They can affect one or both eyes.
- Sometimes there are no symptoms, but signs of uveitis are discovered during a routine eye exam.
reason
Autoimmune or inflammatory diseases that affect other parts of the body, such as sarcoidosis, systemic lupus erythematosus, or Crohn’s disease. Ankylosing spondylitis is an inflammatory disease that causes some bones in the spine to fuse, causing back pain. Uveitis is one of the most common complications of ankylosing spondylitis. Infections such as cat-scratch disease, shingles, syphilis, toxoplasmosis, or tuberculosis.
- Side effects of medications.
- Eye injury or surgery.
- Very specifically, cancers that affect the eyes, such as lymphoma.
treat
If uveitis is caused by an underlying disease, treatment may focus on that disease. Generally speaking, Treatment for uveitis is the same regardless of the cause, as long as it’s not contagious.
The goal of treatment is to reduce swelling in the eyes and other parts of the body (if present).In some cases, treatment This may take months or years. There are many treatment options.
How to Cope with Flu Symptoms and Eye Health
Proper eye hygiene, such as washing hands and avoiding touching your eyes, can help prevent the spread of viruses to the ocular system.
People with existing eye problems They should exercise extreme caution and follow the instructions of health professionals.
Expert: Cesar Sanchez Galena. Ophthalmologist surgeon. He attended LaSalle University. Highly specialized in refractive surgery, cataracts and glaucoma.
Western Australia: 55 73 79 64 26 / FB, Taiwan, TikTok: @DocSanchezG