Infective conjunctivitis is caused by a virus or bacteria and is very common in children in a nursery environment
Exclusion period
Exclusion not usually required but treatment of drops is required
Antibiotics are not often prescribed for infectious conjunctivitis because they will make little difference to their recovery.
Symptoms
The symptoms normally begin in one eye and after one to two days, the other eye often becomes affected too.
Symptoms may include red and watering eyes and a sticky coating on the eyelashes.
Lubricant eye drops can be purchased over-the-counter or they may be prescribed to help ease soreness and stickiness. You can also gently clean away sticky substances with cotton wool soaked in water.
