Most pink eye (conjunctivitis) viruses and bacteria can live on surfaces or fabric for up to 2 days, although some viruses can even live on surfaces for as long as 8 weeks. Most bacteria cannot survive more than 2 to 8 hours, but some can last up to 2 days.
Cleaning clothes and bedding with hot water and detergent can ensure you don’t come into contact with the same virus or bacteria again.
Not all types of pink eye are transmissible. Allergic pink eye resolves when you no longer have exposure to the allergen causing the symptoms. You can’t “catch it” from others and don’t need to worry about passing it to people around you.
However, bacterial pink eye can be transmissible from the moment you develop symptoms until 48 hours after you start your antibiotic treatment. Viral pink eye is transmissible for as long as you have symptoms.
According to the American Academy of Opthalmology, it might even be possible for someone with pink eye to pass it on before they develop any symptoms.
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- washing your hands often with soap and water
- washing your hands after touching someone with pink eye or any of their personal belongings
- not touching or rubbing your eyes if you have the infection
- not sharing personal items such as makeup, bedding, contact lenses, glasses, or eye drops with someone who has the infection
- not wearing contact lenses until your doctor advises
- cleaning and storing contact lenses as advised by your eye doctor
If you want more information about pink eye, don’t hesitate to reach out to a doctor or healthcare professional with any questions.