There has been a sudden increase in conjunctivitis cases (eye flu) in Jammu during the monsoon season. Of all the reasons, the current outbreak of eye flu is primarily caused by the adenovirus, which is a common virus responsible for conjunctivitis. This type is usually self-limiting on its own within 7-14 days, and like any other virus, there are no specific antiviral medications effective against it. For this particular reason, doctors have advised that caution should be exercised when using over-the-counter (OTC) medications containing high-dose steroids, as they may interfere with the delicate development of the eyes and lead to complications.
Breaking the chain of transmission stands as a paramount measure in curbing outbreaks and remains the most potent defence against any viral infection. It is of utmost importance to heed the timely advice provided by medical professionals to minimize the risk of contracting the infection. The key to combating any viral outbreak lies in exercising self-discipline. Health officials emphasise the importance of adhering to recommendations like avoiding touching one’s eyes consciously, refraining from touching potentially common surfaces, regular hand washing after being outside, and maintaining distance from family members who have eye flu. Children affected by conjunctivitis must stay at home for a few days to prevent the infection from spreading to other students. People need to realise that there is no viral shot or preventive medicine available to combat this viral outbreak. Once infected, it can significantly disrupt daily routines. Therefore, taking all these precautionary measures remains our sole defence against the spread of the infection.
The role of ophthalmologists is vital in managing the surge of conjunctivitis cases. If anyone experiences significant redness, irritation, or excessive watering of the eyes, seeking consultation with an ophthalmologist is advised. While ophthalmologists are typically available in hospitals and medical centres in urban areas, the situation can be different in rural areas. In such cases, it becomes the responsibility of the Health and Medical Education Department, along with the Directorate of Health Services, to ensure adequate healthcare services are available in rural areas. Various strategies can be employed to address this issue. One approach can be to establish mobile medical units that include ophthalmologists and medical teams to visit rural areas periodically. This initiative will help provide essential healthcare services, including eye care, to remote populations. Additionally, the utilisation of telemedicine technologies can connect rural healthcare centres with urban hospitals or medical experts. This way, remote consultations can be facilitated, allowing patients to receive guidance from ophthalmologists without having to travel long distances. Moreover, medical officers of Community Health centres and Primary Health centres in rural areas are the mainstay of diagnosing and managing common eye conditions, including conjunctivitis, in faraway places. Conducting public awareness campaigns in rural areas is equally crucial to educating people about the symptoms of conjunctivitis, preventive measures, and when to seek medical attention. This approach can lead to early detection and prompt treatment. Engaging various community institutions, such as Panchayats, schools, and Anganwadi centres, can help spread awareness and implement preventive measures effectively.
Since the outbreak is almost all over India due to the rainy season and so many people daily travel across different states, it is difficult to remain aloof and unaffected. The only viable option is to abide by the timely advisory issued by the Health Department; it is crucial, and if people follow all the precautions, they can avoid an outbreak in their area. By implementing various measures, the Health and Medical Education Department can take a proactive approach to addressing the healthcare needs of the communities during the conjunctivitis outbreak and beyond. Ensuring access to expert advice and treatment will significantly help mitigate the suffering of patients and prevent the further spread of the infection.
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