Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): Can I go to work or school if I have it?

The decision to attend work or school while suffering from conjunctivitis (pink eye) depends on the type of inflammation and whether it is contagious. Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are highly contagious and can easily spread from person to person, while allergic conjunctivitis is not contagious [1].

When is conjunctivitis contagious?

Viral and bacterial conjunctivitis are contagious types. Viral conjunctivitis is the most common and is caused by the same viruses that cause the common cold, while bacterial conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection [1]. Both types can spread easily through contact with discharge from the infected eye [3].

Allergic conjunctivitis does not spread from person to person because it is caused by the body's reaction to allergens or irritants, not an infection [1].

Symptoms of conjunctivitis requiring caution

Common symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness or swelling of the eye, itching or burning, watery eyes, and unusual discharge (white, yellow, or green) that may cause eyelids to crust over when waking up [3]. If the discharge is heavy, or there is severe pain, light sensitivity, or blurred vision, this may indicate a contagious type or a condition requiring medical attention [3].

Returning to work or school

If you have bacterial or viral conjunctivitis, it is advised to stay home to avoid spreading the infection. You should consult a doctor to determine the type of conjunctivitis and the appropriate treatment. In the case of bacterial conjunctivitis, treatment with prescribed antibiotics can lead to quick recovery [1]. After starting treatment and seeing symptom improvement, your doctor may clear you to return. In the case of viral conjunctivitis, antibiotics are ineffective, and it typically clears up on its own within 7 to 10 days [3]. Cold compresses and soothing eye drops can help relieve symptoms [1].

For allergic conjunctivitis, as it is non-contagious, the affected person can usually go to work or school unless symptoms are severe and affect their ability to concentrate or perform [1].

When do you need an antibiotic?

Antibiotics are effective only against bacterial conjunctivitis [1]. Antibiotics do not work against viral or allergic conjunctivitis [1]. It is important to visit an ophthalmologist for a correct diagnosis and to determine if antibiotic treatment is necessary [1]. The doctor may prescribe antibiotic eye drops or ointment [2].

For more information on this topic, you can visit Conjunctivitis (Pink Eye): When is it contagious and when does it require an antibiotic? (Arabic)

Practical steps to prevent the spread of conjunctivitis

• Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water frequently, especially after touching your eyes or using eye drops [3].
• Avoid touching or rubbing your eyes [3].
• Do not share personal items such as pillows, towels, cosmetics, or glasses [3].
• If you wear contact lenses, follow your ophthalmologist's instructions for cleaning, storing, and replacing them, and discard any lenses or solutions used while you had conjunctivitis [3].
• Discard any eye makeup used while you had conjunctivitis [3].

If you experience severe eye pain, intense redness, heavy mucus discharge, blurred vision that does not improve after wiping away the discharge, light sensitivity, or if symptoms do not improve after a few days or worsen, it is important to see a doctor [3]. Newborns who show symptoms of conjunctivitis (unusual discharge or red, swollen eyelids) must see a doctor immediately, as conjunctivitis can cause serious health problems for them [3].

Medical references

• Choosing Wisely When It Comes to Eye Care: Antibiotics for Pink Eye
• Pink Eye
• Pink Eye