Is pink eye a contagious disease and how to prevent it?

Question

Hello doctor,

I had sex with my boyfriend who had pink eye. Although he wore glasses and was not really near my face. What are my chances of contracting it?

Please help.

Answer 1

Hello,

Welcome to icliniq.com.

I went through your query.

It seems to be a type of conjunctivitis. Allergic conjunctivitis mostly caused by some allergens in the spring is never contagious whereas the infectious one is. For this, we have to do a swab test of the discharge or look for other signs like a sore throat, a purulent discharge from the eyes, or debris around the eyelids.

According to the CDC (Center for Disease Control), conjunctivitis can spread through the materials and hands of the person infected by the discharge of the eye and even through respiratory droplets. So you should be cautious being around him and the materials he uses.

You should be following a no hand to face regime too.

Patients' linen, towels, bedsheets, pillow covers, napkins, glasses, and all the materials that can come in contact with the discharge of eyes should be kept aside and washed in hot water. One should frequently wash their hands with soap or should use an alcohol-based hand sanitizer to minimize the risk of spreading infection.

This concludes you have a 40 percent risk of getting the disease if you use the same materials he uses or if he is around you all the time.

Hope it helps.

Thanks and regards.