What patient education should I provide regarding the contagious nature of bacterial conjunctivitis and prevention measures?

Patient education regarding the contagious nature of bacterial conjunctivitis and prevention measures:

• Inform the patient that bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious and can spread to the other eye and to other people.
• Advise frequent hand washing with soap and water to reduce transmission.
• Recommend using separate towels and flannels to avoid sharing infectious material.
• Advise avoiding close contact with others, especially healthcare professionals or childcare providers, as the infection may be contagious for up to 14 days from symptom onset.
• Explain that most cases are self-limiting and resolve within 5–7 days without treatment, but topical antibiotics may be used if symptoms are severe or do not improve after 3 days.
• Advise patients to avoid touching or rubbing their eyes to prevent spread.
• For contact lens wearers, instruct immediate cessation of lens use until all symptoms resolve and emphasize eyelid hygiene with sterile saline or boiled and cooled water.
• Inform that there is no recommended exclusion period from school or nursery for isolated cases, but local policies may vary.
• Provide written information and explain red flags that require urgent medical review, such as worsening symptoms or persistence beyond 7 days.

Patient information on conjunctivitis is available from NHS A-Z at www.nhs.uk for further reading and support.