Prevention

Pinkeye can spread in areas where people live, work, and play closely together. If you are around someone with pinkeye, wash your hands thoroughly and often.

• Daycare and preschools will often not take a child with pinkeye for fear of infecting other children.

• Laboratories where people share microscopes are also places where infection can spread.

• People who share computer keyboards with others at work must be careful to wash their hands before they touch around their faces, especially during cold and flu season.

• Bedding, towels, and personal items that come in contact with secretions should not be shared. Wash and change sheets and pillowcases every day.

• Makeup should not be shared.

• Eyedrops should not be shared among individuals; otherwise, the infection can spread.