Pink eye How long is it contagious - Mayo Clinic
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Products and services How long is pink eye contagious My son s child care has a policy that children with pink eye stay home until they re no longer contagious
Answer From Kevin D. Chodnicki, M.D. Pink eye (conjunctivitis) generally remains contagious as long as your child has tearing and matted eyes. Pink eye is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. Depending on the cause of your child's pink eye, signs and symptoms usually improve within a few days to two weeks. Good hygiene - including hand-washing, avoiding close contact with others, and not sharing towels or pillowcases - is important. It may be okay to return to school or child care if your child does not have a fever, can practice good hygiene, and can avoid close contact with others. Children who are not able to practice good hygiene or can't avoid close contact with others should stay home until symptoms clear up. Check with your health care provider if you have any questions about when your child can return to school or child care. With Kevin D. Chodnicki, M.D. There is a problem with information submitted for this request. Review/update the information highlighted below and resubmit the form. From Mayo Clinic to your inbox
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Please, try again in a couple of minutes Retry ShareTweet July 02, 2022 Show references Jacobs DS. Conjunctivitis. https://www.uptodate.com/contents/search. Accessed June 1, 2022. Conjunctivitis. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. https://www.cdc.gov/conjunctivitis/index.html. Accessed June 1, 2022. Chodnicki KD (expert opinion). Mayo Clinic. June 1, 2022. See more Expert Answers Products and Services
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