28 August 2010
By Khushboo sandhu
Chandigarh, India
HOSPITALS in the city have seen an increase in the inflow of patients suffering from conjunctivitis or eye flu. Redness of the eye, itching, watering, discharge, swelling around the eyes, stickiness of eyelids, irritation, and the like are the symptoms of this virus, which spreads through touch. The virus spreads during monsoon when the weather conditions are ideal for it.
Eye specialist Dr Areet Kaur said: "While earlier, four to five cases were being reported per day, the number has now shot up to more than 20 cases.
It is important that patients do not indulge in self medication. One or two cases are coming in everyday of haem orrhage in the eye due to wrong medication. It is important for patients to consult a doctor immediately when the symptoms show and not try out medicines on their own." The situation is similar in most of the hospitals and dispensaries. Doctors suggest that people should avoid touching their eyes due to which the infection can spread very fast.
Dr Jaiveer Singh said: "The number of conjunctivitis cases being reported is quite high. I have been handling nearly eight to 10 cases everyday. The season provides ideal conditions for viral growth. The infection spreads through touch; touching door knobs, tables, using infected linen and the like facilitate its spread. Hand hygiene is the most important precaution to be taken."
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