how contagious is pink eye

Pink eye, or conjunctivitis, is highly contagious. It spreads mainly through direct or indirect contact with the eye secretions of an infected person, such as touching contaminated surfaces, towels, or pillows and then touching the eyes. It can also spread through close personal contact or droplets from coughs and sneezes, though it is not typically airborne. The contagious period usually begins a day or so before symptoms appear and can last until symptoms fully resolve, which might be a week or even up to two weeks in some viral cases. Specifically, adenovirus—the common cause of viral pink eye—can survive on surfaces for up to 30 days, enabling prolonged contagiousness. Good hygiene, like frequent handwashing and avoiding sharing personal items, is essential to prevent spread. Children are especially susceptible to spreading pink eye, often in group settings like schools or daycares, and then passing it to family members. The infection is contagious as long as tearing and matted eyes persist, which is why affected individuals are often advised to stay home until symptoms clear. In summary, pink eye is very contagious through contact with infected eye discharge and contaminated objects, lasting from a few days to a couple of weeks depending on the cause and severity of infection.