As children are hard at work learning at school, viruses and bacteria are also hard at work, spreading from one child to another. One of the most contagious ailments is pink eye. Though not life-threatening the sticky infection is a hassle for parents, teachers and students.
This common medical condition is around all year. Since it can spread so easily its more common when school is back is session and kids are in close contact and touching similar surfaces, says Khalilah Babino, DO, urgent care physician at Loyola University Health System.
Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is when the conjunctiva, a very thin membrane that lines the inner surface of the eyelids and white portion of the eye, get inflamed and causes the lining to become red and swollen.
Contrary to popular belief pink eye is not always due to a bacterial infection. It can also be caused by viruses, allergens and irritants. These types of conjunctivitis will typically resolve spontaneously without additional treatment, Babino says.
Still, bacteria can be the cause of the infection. Bacterial conjunctivitis is extremely contagious and can quickly spread through a household or classroom. It typically causes eye redness, irritation, pain and/or thick discolored drainage initially in one eye. Its common for a persons eyelids to be stuck shut upon awakening due to drainage.
Bacterial conjunctivitis can be the result of infection from one of several bacterial organisms. Transmission is from person to person contact, secretions from an affected person or infected surfaces. If you suspect you have this type of infection its best to see your medical provider as soon as possible, Babino says.
Babiono offers the following tips for dealing with bacterial pink eye:
Wash your hands frequently for at least 15-20 seconds with warm soapy water.
Use alcohol sanitizer when water and soap are not available to clean your hands.
Avoid eye make-up during an infection and discard any used eye make-up as it is likely contaminated.
Remove contact lenses and wear glasses until the infection is cleared.
Thoroughly clean your contact lens case and discard disposable contacts.
Avoid touching your eyes with your fingers. Conjunctivitis is commonly transmitted from one eye to the other this way.
Avoid school and/or work until you have had at least 24 hours of antibiotic treatment.
Source: Loyola University Health System
A Helping Hand: Innovative Approaches to Expanding Hand Hygiene Programs in Acute Care Settings
July 9th 2025Who knew candy, UV lights, and a college kid in scrubs could double hand hygiene adherence? A Pennsylvania hospital’s creative shake-up of its infection prevention program shows that sometimes it takes more than soap to get hands clean—and keep them that way.
Broadening the Path: Diverse Educational Routes Into Infection Prevention Careers
July 4th 2025Once dominated by nurses, infection prevention now welcomes professionals from public health, lab science, and respiratory therapy—each bringing unique expertise that strengthens patient safety and IPC programs.
How Contaminated Is Your Stretcher? The Hidden Risks on Hospital Wheels
July 3rd 2025Despite routine disinfection, hospital surfaces, such as stretchers, remain reservoirs for harmful microbes, according to several recent studies. From high-touch areas to damaged mattresses and the effectiveness of antimicrobial coatings, researchers continue to uncover persistent risks in environmental hygiene, highlighting the critical need for innovative, continuous disinfection strategies in health care settings.