how contagious is pink eye
Last updated September 6, 2026.
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.
What to do
- Wash your hands often: Use soap and water before and after touching your eyes or putting in drops.
- Keep items to yourself: Do not share towels, washcloths, pillowcases, eye drops, or eye makeup while symptoms last.
- Pause contact lenses: Switch to glasses until your eyes are clear, then replace lenses and cases that were worn while you had symptoms.
- Clean what your face touches: Wash pillowcases and towels in hot water and wipe down glasses frames and shared surfaces.
- Plan time away: Many schools and workplaces ask you to stay home while the eye is draining, so check the policy before returning.
- Call a clinician: Get seen for eye pain, blurry vision, light sensitivity, a possible injury, a weakened immune system, or pink eye in a newborn.
Related questions
- Can an online doctor help with pink eye
- Can i go to work with pink eye
- Can i text a doctor about pink eye
- Can my kid go to school with pink eye