How long is viral conjunctivitis contagious? When someone is diagnosed with bacterial conjunctivitis, they may receive a prescription for an antibiotic. Once they are on the antibiotic for a specified period of time, usually twenty-four hours, the bacterial conjunctivitis is no longer considered contagious. But, what about viral conjunctivitis? Antibiotics do not treat viral conjunctivitis. The usual treatment for viral conjunctivitis is to allow it to run its course.

Without the benefit of antibiotics, how long is viral conjunctivitis contagious? Though the symptoms of viral conjunctivitis tend to last a long time compared to bacterial conjunctivitis, it is usually considered less of a contagious threat once the symptoms start to improve. Viral pink eye can last up to four weeks, but the symptoms often begin to improve in three to five days. However, there is no standard amount of time that it is contagious.

To prevent the spread of viral conjunctivitis during the time it might be contagious, careful hygiene is necessary. People with viral conjunctivitis should wash their hands with soap and water frequently throughout the day. They should avoid sharing towels or anything that may spread the conjunctivitis to others. People with viral conjunctivitis should avoid wearing contacts and using eye makeup while they have conjunctivitis.

If a washcloth is used to wipe the eyes, it should be washed frequently and no one else should touch the washcloth. Some people prefer to use tissues or paper towels to wipe the eyes while they have pink eye so that they can throw them away to avoid the spread of the infection. This can be helpful as long as the tissues or paper towels are not left setting around the house. By following precautions, the person can stop the spread of viral conjunctivitis as long as viral conjunctivitis is contagious.

Once the symptoms start to subside, the person is capable of returning to work or school. However, many schools require a child to be on antibiotic pink eye medication before they return to school. This is unfortunate for someone with viral conjunctivitis since antibiotics will do nothing to clear the infection.

Antibiotics only work against bacterial infections. So, even though a visit to the doctor and a prescription of antibiotics will not help, it may be required by school. If adults with viral conjunctivitis work in a direct care field or somewhere in which they are in contact with the public, the company may require a note from the doctor before the person can return to work.