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Short answer Is it viral, bacterial or allergic? Can I go to class with pink eye? How do I stop pink eye from spreading? How do I protect my roommate? How is it treated? When should I go to urgent care or the ER? Common questions from students Common questions Related questions SourcesYou can often go to class with pink eye if you feel well enough and wash your hands often, but check your school or team policy, since some require 24 hours of antibiotic drops for the bacterial kind.
Pink eye spreads by touching your eye and then touching other things. It is not spread by looking at someone.
Is it viral, bacterial or allergic?
- Viral: watery discharge, often with a cold. Spreads easily and clears on its own in 1 to 2 weeks.
- Bacterial: thick yellow or green discharge, eyelids stuck together in the morning. May need antibiotic drops.
- Allergic: itchy, watery, both eyes, with sneezing. Not contagious.
Can I go to class with pink eye?
The CDC says most people with pink eye can attend school or work if they feel well and practice good hygiene, though policies differ. Many college teams, labs, health care placements and child care sites ask you to stay out until a clinician clears you or until you have used drops for 24 hours. When in doubt, check your policy and ask student health.
How do I stop pink eye from spreading?
- Wash your hands after touching your eyes, and avoid rubbing them
- Do not share towels, pillowcases, makeup, or eye drops
- Wash pillowcases and towels in hot water
- Throw out eye makeup you used while infected
- Stop wearing contact lenses until a clinician says it is okay, and replace your lenses and case after you are better
How do I protect my roommate?
- Use your own towel and washcloth
- Clean door handles and shared surfaces
- Keep your hands off your face and phone while your eyes are watery
How is it treated?
Viral pink eye gets better on its own. Cool compresses and artificial tears help. Antibiotic drops are for bacterial pink eye, and a clinician needs to decide that. Our pink eye guide covers how to tell the difference.
When should I go to urgent care or the ER?
Go to urgent care or the ER for eye pain, blurry vision that does not clear after blinking, strong light sensitivity, a red eye after an injury, or a contact lens wearer with a painful red eye. These can point to something more serious than pink eye.
If you are not sure what you have, our AI doctor asks a few questions and sends you a care note you can bring to student health.
Common questions from students
How long is pink eye contagious? Viral pink eye is contagious as long as symptoms last. Bacterial pink eye is generally less contagious after about 24 hours of drops.
Can I wear contacts with pink eye? No. Switch to glasses until a clinician clears you.
Can I go to the gym? Wash your hands and wipe equipment. Many people can, if they feel up to it.
Do I need a doctor's note? Some schools, teams and employers ask for one. Student health can help.
Can I get pink eye from a roommate's towel? Yes. Do not share towels.
Common questions
Can I go to class with pink eye?
You can often go to class with pink eye if you feel well enough and wash your hands often, but check your school or team policy, since some require 24 hours of antibiotic drops for the bacterial kind. Pink eye spreads by touching your eye and then touching other things. It is not spread by looking at someone.
How long is pink eye contagious?
Viral pink eye is contagious as long as symptoms last. Bacterial pink eye is generally less contagious after about 24 hours of drops.
Can I wear contacts with pink eye?
No. Switch to glasses until a clinician clears you.
Can I go to the gym?
Wash your hands and wipe equipment. Many people can, if they feel up to it.
Do I need a doctor's note?
Some schools, teams and employers ask for one. Student health can help.
Can I get pink eye from a roommate's towel?
Yes. Do not share towels.