#asktheexpert
my son is getting frequent eyeflu.

Question

#asktheexpert 
my son is getting frequent eyeflu.

Accepted Answer

It's concerning that your two-year-old son is experiencing frequent eye infections (often referred to as "eye flu"). Here are some common causes and steps you can take:

### Common Causes of Eye Infections in Children:
1. **Viral Conjunctivitis**: Often called "pink eye," this is a common viral infection that causes redness, itching, and discharge in the eyes.
2. **Bacterial Conjunctivitis**: This can occur when bacteria infect the eye, causing redness, discharge (often yellow or green), and crusting of the eyelids.
3. **Allergic Conjunctivitis**: Triggered by allergens such as pollen or pet dander, causing itching, redness, and watery eyes.
4. **Blocked Tear Ducts**: In infants and toddlers, tear ducts can sometimes be blocked, leading to teariness and recurrent eye infections.

### Steps to Manage and Prevent Eye Infections:
1. **Good Hygiene Practices**:
   - Wash hands frequently, especially before touching the face or eyes.
   - Avoid sharing towels, pillows, or eye makeup.

2. **Cleanliness**:
   - Keep your child's face and eyes clean with gentle, warm water and a clean cloth.
   - Use a separate cloth for each eye to prevent spreading infection.

3. **Avoid Irritants**:
   - Keep your child away from smoke and other irritants that can aggravate the eyes.
   - If your child has allergies, try to minimize exposure to allergens that trigger eye symptoms.

4. **Consult a Pediatrician**:
   - If your son continues to experience frequent eye infections, it's important to consult a pediatrician or an eye specialist (ophthalmologist).
   - They can determine the specific cause of the infections and recommend appropriate treatment, such as antibiotic eye drops for bacterial infections or antihistamines for allergic conjunctivitis.

5. **Follow Medical Advice**:
   - Administer any prescribed medications exactly as directed by your healthcare provider.
   - Follow up with your doctor as advised to monitor improvement and prevent recurrence.

6. **Monitor Symptoms**:
   - Keep an eye on your child's symptoms and note any changes or worsening condition.
   - Seek medical attention promptly if you notice increased redness, swelling, or pain in the eyes.

By maintaining good hygiene practices, minimizing exposure to irritants, and seeking timely medical care, you can help manage and prevent recurrent eye infections in your son.

#asktheexpert my son is getting frequent eyeflu.