Conjunctivitis with flu: what to know

A cold or flu-like illness can cause watery, irritated, red eyes when the same virus affects the eye surface. The eyes may feel gritty, and discharge can collect around the lashes. Bacterial conjunctivitis can also occur, so the appearance of discharge alone cannot identify the cause. Symptoms in both eyes, a runny nose or cough, and close contact with someone unwell can support a viral explanation, but they do not replace an examination.

Avoid sharing towels, pillows, cosmetics or eye drops. Wash hands after touching the eyes and clean discharge with a fresh damp pad for each eye. Contact lenses should stay out until the eyes have recovered and a clinician advises that restarting them is appropriate.

Rest, drink fluids and use a cool clean compress for irritation. Preservative-free lubricating drops may soothe dryness if a pharmacist or clinician considers them suitable. Do not use leftover antibiotic drops or someone else’s medication; antibiotics do not treat viral conjunctivitis and inappropriate drops can delay the right diagnosis. A GP consultation can help distinguish conjunctivitis from an infection involving deeper eye tissues.

Arrange prompt medical care for eye pain, reduced or blurred vision that does not clear with blinking, strong light sensitivity, swelling around the eye, an unusual pupil appearance or symptoms after an eye injury. Seek advice sooner if you wear contact lenses, have a weakened immune system or symptoms are worsening rather than settling. A breathing problem, dehydration or confusion during a flu-like illness also warrants urgent help.

Ask whether the eye findings fit viral or bacterial conjunctivitis, whether you should stop contact lenses for longer, and which symptoms would mean same-day review. Tell the clinician when the eye changes began, whether one or both eyes are affected, what the discharge looks like, and whether vision or light tolerance has changed.