Q:
I am getting over the flu and am currently running a fever. Normally I would just go into the health center to get this checked out, but I have been in twice in the last week. I woke up a few minutes ago to find the lashes of my right eyes partially crusted closed by some kind of goopy mass. It covered the entire length of my eye. The only thing I can think of is pink eye - any other ideas on what this might be? Or how to treat it?
A:
Yes, it is possible to get pink eye (usually viral caused) in addition to the viral flu. This usually doesn't last longer than 3 days but is highly contagious so you'll want to keep your hands washed well after touching your eye lashes or face. Typically it doesn't need any treatment other than warm rag compresses to the eyelids.
If you are still running fever a week after having flu symptoms, we want to listen to your lungs and make sure you don't have a pneumonia brewing. I don't know how recently you were checked but persisting fever does need to be watched.
~The Doc
