‘Red eye

THE EDITOR: Recently there has been an upsurge in the number of cases of “red eye.”

Red eye is conjunctivitis, a condition that causes inflammation and redness of the membranes inside the eyes. A virus or bacterial infection causes red eye.

The symptoms include but are not limited to: eye redness; swollen, red eyelids; itchy, burning eyes; lots of tearing.

Red eye is contagious. It is transmitted by contact with an infected person or objects shared with an infected person.

Coughing and sneezing are other methods of transmitting.

People infected with red eye need to stay away from school or work until a clean bill of health is given by a medical doctor. Opinions of managers, supervisors and coworkers are not valid.

Here are some tips to follow if you have red eye:

* Wash hands frequently and thoroughly with medicated soap.

* Do not touch the eye area.

* Wash hands before and after applying medication to the eyes.

* Do not share towels.

* Change linens and towels daily.

* Disinfect counter tops and door knobs.

* Throw away tissues after each use.

* Throw away any make-up used on the eye area.

* Seek professional medical assistance as soon as any symptoms are experienced. No “bush doctor.”

Mr Minister of Health, people are returning to work who still have jobs after vacation, schools are about to reopen and we have many foreign visitors, both legal and illegal. We can ill afford an epidemic at this present time.

When it comes to red eye, let us not be blind to the facts.

AV RAMPERSAD

Princes Town