how long does it take to show signs of pink eye after exposure?
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The incubation period (the time between becoming infected and symptoms appearing) for viral or bacterial conjunctivitis is about 24 to 72 hours. If you touch something with the virus or bacteria on it, and then touch your eyes, you can develop pink eye.
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Pink eye is contagious once symptoms appear, and the condition remains contagious as long as there is tearing and discharge.
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Antibiotics can work to treat bacterial pink eye. But even when bacteria are causing your pink eye, it will most likely clear up on its own after a couple of days. For this reason, doctors don't always prescribe antibiotics right away to treat bacterial pink eye.
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The time from exposure to symptom onset (known as the incubation period) is thought to be three to 14 days, though symptoms typically appear within four or five days after exposure.
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Pinkeye that's caused by bacteria can spread to others as soon as symptoms appear and for as long as there's discharge from the eye — or until 24 hours after antibiotics are started. Conjunctivitis that's caused by a virus is generally contagious before symptoms appear and can remain so as long as the symptoms last.
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Most cases of viral conjunctivitis are mild. The infection will usually clear up in 7 to 14 days without treatment and without any long-term consequences. However, in some cases, viral conjunctivitis can take 2 to 3 weeks or more to clear up.
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Viral pink eye symptoms usually last 5 to 7 days but may last up to 3 weeks and can become ongoing or chronic. Pink eye may be more serious if you: Have a condition that decreases your body's ability to fight infection (impaired immune system).
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It usually clears up without treatment in 7 to 14 days. Bacterial pink eye is caused by an infection with bacteria like Staphylococcus aureus or Streptococcus pneumonia. Antibiotics should start clearing up the infection within 24 hours of starting to use them.
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About conjunctivitis People often refer to conjunctivitis as red eye. Other symptoms of conjunctivitis include itchiness and watering of the eyes, and sometimes a sticky coating on the eyelashes (if it's caused by an allergy). Conjunctivitis can affect one eye at first, but usually affects both eyes after a few hours.
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Bacterial and viral conjunctivitis are both highly contagious, and you may be contagious for up to two weeks after symptoms first appear.
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How long do different types of pink eye last? With viral conjunctivitis, symptoms usually are worse beginning about three to five days after the eye infection begins. You may need eye drops containing decongestants or antihistamines to reduce irritation and swelling, sometimes for as long as one or two weeks.
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It appears people are not contagious during the incubation period of pink eye — the time of up to a few days between when they are exposed and when the symptoms begin. If your pink eye is caused by a common viral infection and no other complications occur, then your eyes should clear up within a few days to two weeks.
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Redness appears around the entire eye. There is any change or disturbance in one's vision. Swelling lasts for more than three weeks. The stye or styes come back or bleed.
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If you have pinkeye, or if your child has it, you may be tempted to rush to a doctor right away. But that may not be necessary. The symptoms may last a week or 10 days, maybe longer, but they usually go away without your having to see the doctor.
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Symptoms of viral conjunctivitis Pinkness or, typically, intense redness of the eye. Burning, a sensation of grittiness or mild pain or discomfort in the eye. Watery discharge from the eye, sometimes with a small amount of mucus. Crustiness around the eyelids upon waking in the morning.
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While applying the medicine, your eyes will probably sting or burn for a short time. This is to be expected. If you experience eye pain, changes in vision, continued redness or irritation of the eye, or if your symptoms continue for more than 3 days or become worse, check with your doctor.
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Pink Eye Symptoms Swelling of the thin layer that lines the white part of the eye and inside of the eyelid. Increased tearing. Discharge of pus, especially yellow-green (more common in bacterial conjunctivitis) Itching, irritation or burning.