Conjunctivitis

Question 1

For conjunctivitis, state:

- Incubation period

Answer 1

Incubation period

• 1-3 days

Question 2

For conjunctivitis, state:

- How it is spread

Answer 2

Develops when there is contact with:
• Discharge from eyes, nose or throat of an infected person
• Contaminated fingers or objects
• Can be transmitted from an infected mother to her baby during vaginal delivery

Question 3

For conjunctivitis, state:

- General signs and symptoms (7)

Answer 3

• Eye feels scratchy, is red and may water
• Discharge with pus
• Excessive tearing
• Pink discolouration to the whites of the eye
• Swelling of the eyelids
• Photophobia
• Lids may stick together on waking

Question 4

For conjunctivitis, state:

• Prevention (5)
• Treatment (5)

Answer 4

Prevention:
• Avoid touching eyes with hands
• Wash hands thoroughly
• Avoid sharing towels
• Wash pillow cases often
• Don’t share personal eye care or cosmetics

Treatment:
• Keep child home until discharge from eyes has stopped
• Antibiotic eye drops or ointment if required (bacterial conjunctivitis)
• Remove allergen if allergic conjunctivitis
• Viral conjunctivitis is generally self-limiting
• See optometrist if symptoms persist