To avoid getting pink eye (conjunctivitis) when someone in your house has it, focus on meticulous hygiene and preventing the spread of infection.
Here's a breakdown of effective strategies:
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Frequent and Thorough Handwashing: Wash your hands thoroughly with soap and water for at least 20 seconds, especially after touching the infected person or any items they've used. This is the most important step.
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Avoid Touching Your Eyes: Consciously avoid touching or rubbing your eyes, as this is a primary way the infection spreads.
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No Sharing of Personal Items: Do not share towels, washcloths, bedding, pillows, eye drops, makeup (especially eye makeup), contact lenses, contact lens solutions/cases, or eyeglasses with the infected person.
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Clean and Disinfect Surfaces: Regularly clean and disinfect frequently touched surfaces, such as doorknobs, light switches, countertops, and faucets, using a disinfectant cleaner.
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Proper Laundry Practices: Wash bedding, towels, and washcloths used by the infected person in hot water and detergent. Avoid overloading the washing machine.
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Separate Towels: Ensure that each family member uses their own, clearly designated towels.
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Proper Contact Lens Care (if applicable): If you wear contact lenses, follow your eye doctor's instructions for proper cleaning and disinfection. Consider switching to glasses temporarily if there's an outbreak of pink eye in the household. It may even be advisable to discard any contact lenses worn during the infectious period.
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Limit Close Contact: While it may be difficult in a household setting, try to minimize close, face-to-face contact with the infected person.
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Use Hand Sanitizer: Keep alcohol-based hand sanitizer readily available and use it when soap and water are not accessible.
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Educate and Reinforce: Ensure everyone in the household, especially children, understands the importance of hygiene practices in preventing the spread of pink eye.
