X
theAsianparent Logo
theAsianparent Logo
Product GuideSign in
  • SPF 2023
  • Pregnancy
    • Due date calculator
    • I'm pregnant
    • Trying To Conceive
    • Labour
    • After birth
    • Baby loss
  • Parenting
    • Parent's Guide
    • Relationship & Sex
  • Child
    • Newborn
    • Baby
    • Toddler
    • Pre-Schooler
    • Kid
    • Pre-Teen & Teen
  • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diseases-Injuries
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Meal Planner
    • Health
    • Allergies & Conditions
    • Vaccinations
  • Education
    • Pre-School
    • Primary School
    • Secondary School
    • Primary School Directory
  • Lifestyle
    • Money
    • Travel & Leisure
    • Fashion
    • Home
    • Fitness
    • Contests & promotions
  • News
    • International
    • Health
    • Celebrity
    • Singapore
  • Aptamil
    • Immunity
    • Intelligence
  • TAP Recommends
  • Shopping
  • Press Releases
  • Project Sidekicks
  • Community
  • Advertise With Us
  • Contact Us
  • VIP

Pink Eye and COVID-19: What You Need to Know

4 min read

Conjunctivitis, often known as pink eye, is an inflammation and redness of the conjunctiva, a thin membrane that covers the white area of the eye. Viruses, bacteria, allergies, or irritants can all cause it. While pink eye is usually not a dangerous ailment and may be treated with eye drops or ointments, the recent COVID-19 epidemic has raised questions about whether pink eye is a sign of the virus.

According to recent research, COVID-19 can induce conjunctivitis in both children and adults. However, ophthalmologists warn that eye symptoms alone are not always indicative of the virus, and that other factors should be investigated before drawing conclusions.

Is Pink Eye a Symptom of COVID-19?

Pink eye has been linked to COVID-19 in some cases, according to research. According to a research conducted in Wuhan, China, 22.7% of children who tested positive for COVID-19 also had ocular symptoms such as conjunctivitis. Other research have found comparable results, albeit the prevalence of pink eye in COVID-19 patients varies greatly.

Pink eye, on the other hand, can be caused by a multitude of reasons, and a COVID-19 diagnosis cannot be verified without an eye swab. Pink eye can also develop in patients with other forms of viral infections and may not be a reliable sign of COVID-19 on its own.

What Should You Do if Your Child Has Pink Eye?

If your child has pink eye, it is critical that you take precautions to keep the infection from spreading to others. Pink eye is highly contagious, particularly among school-aged children.

Cute Asian elementary school boy with eyeglasses rubbing his nose and eyes while studying online class with computer laptop at school Cute and smart looking Asian elementary school boy with eyeglasses rubbing his nose and eyes while studying with computer laptop with exhaustion and headache at school avoid touching eyes stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Image source: iStock

Follow these precautions to keep pink eye from spreading:

  • When wiping your face and eyes, use a fresh towel or tissue.
  • Hands should be washed often, particularly before and after contacting your eyes.
  • As much as possible, avoid touching your eyes.
  • Do not wear cosmetics if your eyes are affected, and replace it if you get an infection.
  • Clean your contact lenses exactly as directed by your ophthalmologist.

If you suspect your kid has pink eye, make an appointment with an ophthalmologist to discuss symptoms and treatment options. While pink eye is usually a minor ailment that can be treated with over-the-counter eye medicines, it is crucial to rule out other possible causes, particularly if your kid has been exposed to COVID-19.

Should You Get Tested for COVID-19 if You Have Pink Eye?

An Asian Mother accompany daughter for Covid-19 throat and nose swab test at medical clinic Covid-19, Coronavirus 2019-nCoV and Illness Prevention, Healthcare and Medicine Vaccination, Immunization and Treatment Concepts. asian kid covid 19 test stock pictures, royalty-free photos & images Image source: iStock

If your child develops pink eye but has not been exposed to COVID-19, the condition is unlikely to be caused by the virus. However, if your child has been exposed to COVID-19 or has other symptoms such as a fever or cough, it may be worthwhile to contact your medical practitioner to discuss testing possibilities.

Can Eye Protection Prevent COVID-19?

While most people do not require eye protection, it may be recommended for those whose professions or other duties place them at high risk of exposure. The most effective measures to prevent the spread of COVID-19 include frequent hand washing, wearing a mask, and practising social distancing.

To summarise, while pink eye may be a symptom of COVID-19 in some situations, it is not a reliable sign of the virus on its own. If your child develops pink eye, it is critical to act quickly to prevent the disease from spreading and to rule out other possible causes, especially if your child has been exposed to COVID-19.

American Academy of Opthalmology

ALSO READ:

Ask a Doctor: Does Your Child Need the COVID-19 Booster?

The Symptoms Of The Delta Variant Appear To Differ From Traditional COVID Symptoms. Here’s What To Look Out For

Teach your kids proper hand washing using this diagram

Partner Stories
Parents, Here’s How You Can Protect How Your Child Sees the World!
Parents, Here’s How You Can Protect How Your Child Sees the World!
4 Good Toilet Hygiene Habits for Kids to Have Early in Life
4 Good Toilet Hygiene Habits for Kids to Have Early in Life
Flu in Singapore: Is Your Family Protected?
Flu in Singapore: Is Your Family Protected?
6 Top Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash
6 Top Ways to Prevent Diaper Rash

Got a parenting concern? Read articles or ask away and get instant answers on our app. Download theAsianparent Community on iOS or Android now!

img
Written by

Matt Doctor

  • Home
  • /
  • Health
  • /
  • Pink Eye and COVID-19: What You Need to Know
Share:
  • Ask a Doctor: What You Need to Know on Keeping Well

    Ask a Doctor: What You Need to Know on Keeping Well

  • Parkway East Hospital: Your Partner in Parenthood

    Parkway East Hospital: Your Partner in Parenthood

  • Your Doctor Answers: 4 Pressing Vaccination Questions

    Your Doctor Answers: 4 Pressing Vaccination Questions

  • Ask a Doctor: What You Need to Know on Keeping Well

    Ask a Doctor: What You Need to Know on Keeping Well

  • Parkway East Hospital: Your Partner in Parenthood

    Parkway East Hospital: Your Partner in Parenthood

  • Your Doctor Answers: 4 Pressing Vaccination Questions

    Your Doctor Answers: 4 Pressing Vaccination Questions

Get advice on your pregnancy and growing baby. Sign up for our newsletter
  • Pregnancy
    • Baby
    • Education
    • Events
    • Allergies & Conditions
  • Family Occasions
    • Breastfeeding & Formula
    • Child Safety
    • Health
    • Diseases-Injuries
  • Lifestyle
    • Home
    • Money
    • Feeding & Nutrition
    • Diet & Weightloss
  • Normal Delivery
    • Cesarean Delivery
    • Behaviour
    • Secondary School
    • Formula Feeding
  • Ages & Stages
    • Latching & Concerns
    • Festivals & Holidays
    • Education
    • Pre-teen & Teen
  • More
    • TAP Community
    • Advertise With Us
    • Contact Us
    • Become a Contributor


  • Singapore flag Singapore
  • Thailand flag Thailand
  • Indonesia flag Indonesia
  • Philippines flag Philippines
  • Malaysia flag Malaysia
  • Sri-Lanka flag Sri Lanka
  • India flag India
  • Vietnam flag Vietnam
  • Australia flag Australia
  • Japan flag Japan
  • Nigeria flag Nigeria
  • Kenya flag Kenya
© Copyright theAsianparent 2023. All rights reserved
About Us|Team|Privacy Policy|Terms of Use |Sitemap HTML
  • Tools
  • Articles
  • Feed
  • Poll

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

We use cookies to ensure you get the best experience. Learn MoreOk, Got it

theAsianparent heart icon
We’d like to send you notifications for the latest news and updates on baby care and health.