Cold and Flu Season and the Eyes | Influenza Vaccination Week

The winter may mean enjoying snowing days, winter sports, and warming up by the fire, but unfortunately, winter can also mean the start of the cold and flu season.

When you think of cold and flu symptoms, running nose, fever, and aches and pains may come to mind. While cold symptoms typically involve the upper airway, your eyes may also be affected. 
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December 5th through the 11th is Influenza Vaccination Week. Keep reading below to learn more on how vaccination and other steps can help decrease your risk of getting the flu and possible eye problems associated with it. 

Can colds and the flu affect the eyes?

There are a few different ways that cold and flu season can impact the eyes, such as the following:
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Conjunctivitis: Conjunctivitis is linked to viral infections, such as colds and the flu. Conjunctivitis involves inflammation of the white part of the eye. Although the condition is not usually serious, it can cause discomfort and is often contagious. Symptoms of conjunctivitis include redness, irritation, and a gritty feeling in the eye.

Eye discomfort: Typically, eye symptoms are not your biggest problem during a cold or the flu, but eye discomfort can contribute to your misery. For example, when you are congested from a cold, it can make your eyes feel heavy and tired. Also, it may make your eyes sensitive to light. A cold also sometimes causes watery eyes.

Dry eyes: If you are taking cold medicine to ease congestion, the ingredients often dry up more than your nose. Many types of over-the-counter decongestants contain antihistamines, which can lead to dry eyes.

Rare complications: Occasionally, rare complications from the flu can develop that may lead to serious eye problems. For instance, acute necrotizing encephalopathy (i.e., brain damage) is an uncommon complication after an acute viral infection, such as the flu.

Sepsis is another possible complication of the flu. Sepsis can occur when the body has an extreme response to an infection. Sepsis may lead to organ damage and become life-threatening. In some instances, it can also lead to vision problems.
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Ways to stay well this cold and flu season 

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, in the United States, on average, about 8% of the population gets the flu each year. For some people, the flu can be deadly. Regardless of your risk for severe illness, it is best to take steps to avoid getting sick. Below are several tips to stay well this cold and flu season. 

Wash your hands often: You have probably heard it a million times; wash your hands often. Washing your hands frequently is one of the best ways to decrease your risk of getting a cold or the flu.  

Consider a flu vaccine: Although there is not a cold vaccine, there is a vaccine for the flu. Talk to your doctor about getting an annual flu vaccine to determine if it is right for you. 

Stay away from people that are sick: If possible, limit contact with people that have a cold, flu, or other respiratory viruses. It may not always be possible to avoid people that are sick, so, if you can’t, try to maintain your distance and limit the amount of time you are near someone. 

Eat well, exercise, and get enough sleep: Remember the basics such as eating a well-balanced diet, getting enough sleep, and regular exercise to keep your immune system as strong as possible.

Consider a mask: Many of us have gotten used to wearing a mask to reduce the risk of getting and spreading COVID-19. A mask may also help reduce the spread of droplets that spread colds and the flu. If you are at high risk of serious illness or will be in close with a large group of people, a well-fitted mask may reduce your risk of getting sick. 

We hope you stay well this cold and flu season. If you would like to ask whether an appointment with one of our eye doctors would be appropriate at this time, call our office at 508-746-8600.