Ask Our Expert - Contagiousness of Pinkeye

November 22, 2009

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Specializing in pediatric infectious diseases and childhood immunizations.


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Ask Dr. Cates Contagiousness of Pinkeye

QUESTION


Dear Dr. Cates, Just how contagious is pinkeye? — Sue in Danville

ANSWER	April 16, 2001


Dear Sue, There are many causes of pinkeye (or conjunctivitis), including bacteria and viruses. Some types are more contagious than others. It is common for some forms of pinkeye to spread through classrooms and communities quite rapidly because they can be spread by direct contact with the eye or eye discharge, and by aerosols (sneezing, coughing, etc). Pinkeye is particularly contagious among young children who don't know or remember to wash their hands after touching their eyes, or cover their mouths when they cough. For this reason, daycare centers typically--and schools often--exclude children with pinkeye, particularly pinkeye with discharge from the eye, until they have been evaluated and, if needed, treated by a healthcare provider. — by Lynn Cates, M.D., F.A.A.P.

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