viral conjunctivitis (pinkeye) question.?

Question

My son and I both have viral pinkeye, does anyone know how long it's contagious for?
We both woke up with it on Saturday and called the doctor, he called in an antibiotic, which will obviously not work for viral pinkeye, but we weren't sure what kind it was. Now I have to wait until tommorow to get in touch with the doctor and I need to know if I can go to work (I work in a preschool) and if he can go to school. We both have to be there before the doctor is in.

If anyone could let me know, I would aprectiate it!
Thanks!

There is no cure for viral pinkeye, so even if we had gone to urgent care they wouldn't be able to do anything...so why go?

Viral pinkeye is different from bacterial pinkeye, there is no cure and it can last up to three weeks, we can't afford to be out for three weeks.

Answer 1

If you have been diagnosed with viral pinkeye, taking an antibiotic is completely unnecessary! I would say wait 48 hours, if no improvement go back to your doctor and see if additional measures are necessary. Most cases of viral pinkeye last 48 to 72 hours. Give it a bit longer........handwashing is the key to the cure!

Most daycares/schools require 24-48hrs before a child can return to school. But viral pinkeye is contagious for as long as there is exudate and a "strawberry" pink conjunctiva.

Good luck!

Answer 2

Can Go Work Viral Conjunctivitis

Answer 3

Conjunctivitis (pink eye or pinkeye) can result from bacteria, viruses, allergies or even contact lens wear.
Viral conjunctivitis usually affects only one eye and causes excessive eye watering and a light discharge.

Bacterial conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes a heavy discharge, sometimes greenish.

Allergic conjunctivitis affects both eyes and causes itching and redness in the eyes and sometimes the nose, as well as excessive tearing.

Giant papillary conjunctivitis (GPC) usually affects both eyes and causes contact lens intolerance, itching, a heavy discharge, tearing and red bumps on the underside of the eyelids.

Infectious forms of pink eye are highly contagious and are spread by direct contact with infected persons. If you & your child has infectious pink eye, avoid touching the eye area and wash your hands frequently, particularly after applying medications to the eye area. Never share towels or handkerchiefs and throw away tissues after each use. Disinfecting surfaces like countertops, sinks, and doorknobs can also help prevent the spread of infectious pink eye.

Children and adults who develop infectious pink eye should see a doctor to determine whether antibiotic treatment is necessary. Most cases of infectious pink eye are caused by viruses and will not respond to antibiotic treatment. In these instances, the discharge from the eye is clear and watery and symptoms of a cold may be present. Viral pink eye infections usually last from about seven to 10 days.

Answer 4

While viral pink eye may not require an antibiotic, those affected should see a doctor, as occasionally this form of pink eye can be associated with infection of the cornea, (the clear portion of the front of the eyeball). This infection must be correctly detected and treated. Viral pink eye is highly contagious. Viral pink eye usually resolves in seven to ten days after symptoms appear. sorry but he cant go to daycare

Answer 5

Why do you have to wait till tomorrow to see the doc. Don't you have an urgent care center near you? He cannot go to preschool if he has pinkeye. Be sure you are not both using the same bar of soap, washcloth and towel to wash hands and face with or you could end up contaminating your other eye.

Answer 6

See the link below for more information. I work with preschool children in the public schools . Since conjunctivitis is so contagious, I always ask parents to keep their child home when they have it, but there are occasionally parents who won't come pick up their children! When I addressed this problem with the principal, I was shocked to find out that the school system does not preclude children with pink eye from staying in school. It used to be that they had to stay home, but in my district, it has changed. In one of the websites I have read, it said not to go to school as long as there is discharge coming from the eye. Wash hands frequently, and don't rub your eyes or touch your other eye. Keep washcloths & towels separate. Best wishes.

Answer 7

it is contagious while the eyes are watering.
I had viral conjunctivitis last year, it was quite a bad virus according to the doc, he gave me eye drops to relieve the symptoms and kept track of damage being caused to the eye.
i don't think u should go to work or send ur son to school while u both still have it. dont touch ur eyes, atleast not without washing hands before and after or it will reinfect and take longer to clear up. also avoid hot/dry/dusty environments and never go out in the sun without sunglasses.

Answer 8

If you haven't been to see the Dr., how do you know its viral pinkeye (I've never heard of such a thing)? If your Dr. called in an antibiotic, I would surely think he wouldn't do that if it wouldn't help. But if I was you, I would not go tomorrow, not you or your son and call your Dr.'s office as soon as someone gets there.

Answer 9

it has to be cleared up for a child to return to school which usually takes about 48 hrs once the ointment is started. if you work in a preschool, i wouldn't go in tomorrow

Answer 10

I used to own a day care. You must not go to work, or your child to school until you have seen your Doctor.

highly contagouis. I used to have to tell the parents - sorry I can't watch your kids until their better.

State Law, In Nebraska