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Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Contagious?

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Posted on Tue, 5 May 2015
Question: Hi..
is bacterial pink eye contagious? how is it treated?
doctor
Answered by Dr. Dr. Rovena (41 minutes later)
Brief Answer:
yes,it is contagious.

Detailed Answer:
Hello.

Welcome to Healthcare Magic.

Yes,bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) is contagious.The infection can spread through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of an infected person.
Usually the treatment consist in topical antibiotics like Trimethoprim with polymixin B,Gentamicin,Tobramycin etc.
Artificial tears and compresses on eyes can help with the symptoms.
After starting the antibiotic treatment ,you won't be contagious after 24 h of treatment but you may need to stay away from work few days until the infection gets better.
You also should be careful and wash your hands after touching your eyes.

Hope it helps.
Let me know if you need further help.

Kind regards,
Dr.Rovena Murati
Note: For further follow up on related General & Family Physician Click here.

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Chakravarthy Mazumdar
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Answered by
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Dr. Dr. Rovena

General & Family Physician

Practicing since :2013

Answered : 1243 Questions

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Is Bacterial Conjunctivitis Contagious?

Brief Answer: yes,it is contagious. Detailed Answer: Hello. Welcome to Healthcare Magic. Yes,bacterial conjunctivitis (pink eye) is contagious.The infection can spread through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of an infected person. Usually the treatment consist in topical antibiotics like Trimethoprim with polymixin B,Gentamicin,Tobramycin etc. Artificial tears and compresses on eyes can help with the symptoms. After starting the antibiotic treatment ,you won't be contagious after 24 h of treatment but you may need to stay away from work few days until the infection gets better. You also should be careful and wash your hands after touching your eyes. Hope it helps. Let me know if you need further help. Kind regards, Dr.Rovena Murati