Viral and bacterial pink eye are highly contagious, while pink eye caused by allergies or irritants does not spread to anyone.
The infection travels when fluid or discharge from an infected eye reaches your hands and then someone else's eyes, or lands on towels, pillowcases, makeup, and contact lenses. Viral pink eye is the most common type and can stay contagious for as long as your eyes are red and watering, often a week or two. Bacterial pink eye is usually no longer spreading after about 24 hours of antibiotic eye drops. Washing your hands often, keeping your hands away from your eyes, and using your own towel and pillowcase are what actually stop it from moving through a household.
How long it stays contagious
Common questions
how contagious is pink eye
It depends on the cause. Viral pink eye, the most common kind, spreads easily and stays contagious while your eyes are red and tearing, which often lasts one to two weeks. Bacterial pink eye also spreads easily but generally stops being contagious about 24 hours after you start prescribed antibiotic drops. Allergic and irritant pink eye are not contagious at all. Spread happens through discharge on hands, towels, pillowcases, eye makeup, and contact lenses. Wash your hands often, avoid touching your eyes, do not share those items, and stop wearing contacts until your eyes look normal. See a clinician for eye pain, blurred vision, light sensitivity, a recent eye injury, or symptoms in a newborn.