What are the common signs of flu with watery eyes. How does flu differ from a cold in terms of ocular symptoms. What treatments are effective for managing flu-related eye issues. When should you seek medical attention for flu complications.

Understanding Flu Symptoms: Beyond Fever and Fatigue

Influenza, commonly known as the flu, is a viral infection that can affect various parts of the body, including the eyes. While most people associate the flu with fever, body aches, and fatigue, ocular symptoms like watery eyes are often overlooked. These eye-related issues can be particularly bothersome and may even lead to complications if left untreated.

Flu symptoms typically appear suddenly and can be more severe than those of a common cold. Some key indicators include:

• Fever above 100°F (37.8°C)
• Severe muscle and joint aches
• Extreme weakness or fatigue
• Warm, flushed skin
• Red, watery eyes
• Chills and sweats
• Headache
• Dry cough
• Sore throat and runny nose

Can flu symptoms vary in intensity? Indeed, the severity of flu symptoms can differ from person to person. Some individuals may experience mild discomfort, while others might face more severe manifestations that require medical attention.

Ocular Manifestations: When Flu Affects Your Eyes

While respiratory symptoms often take center stage during a flu infection, the eyes can also be significantly impacted. Ocular manifestations of the flu may include:

1. Watery eyes (epiphora)
2. Redness and irritation
3. Sensitivity to light (photophobia)
4. Swelling of the eyelids
5. Conjunctivitis (pink eye)

Why do eyes become watery during a flu infection? The flu virus can cause inflammation of the tear ducts and surrounding tissues, leading to increased tear production and difficulty in draining excess tears. This results in the characteristic watery eyes associated with the flu.

Distinguishing Flu from the Common Cold: Key Differences

While flu and cold symptoms can be similar, there are several distinguishing factors to consider:

Is it possible to have flu without fever? While fever is a common symptom of flu, some individuals may experience flu-like symptoms without an elevated temperature. This is more likely in older adults, young children, or those with weakened immune systems.

Effective Treatments for Flu-Related Eye Symptoms

Managing flu symptoms, including those affecting the eyes, often involves a combination of self-care measures and, in some cases, medical interventions. Here are some effective treatments for flu-related eye symptoms:

• Warm compresses: Apply a warm, damp cloth to the eyes to relieve irritation and promote tear drainage.
• Artificial tears: Over-the-counter lubricating eye drops can help alleviate dryness and irritation.
• Gentle eye cleansing: Use a mild, tear-free baby shampoo to clean the eyelids and lashes, removing any crusty discharge.
• Antiviral medications: In severe cases, your doctor may prescribe antiviral drugs to shorten the duration of the flu and potentially reduce eye-related complications.
• Rest and hydration: Adequate sleep and fluid intake can support overall recovery and help maintain eye health.

How long do flu-related eye symptoms typically last? In most cases, ocular symptoms associated with the flu resolve within 7-10 days, coinciding with the overall recovery from the virus. However, if symptoms persist or worsen, it’s essential to consult a healthcare professional.

Preventing the Spread of Flu and Protecting Your Eyes

Taking proactive measures to prevent the spread of flu and protect your eyes is crucial. Consider the following strategies:

1. Practice good hand hygiene by washing your hands frequently with soap and water.
2. Avoid touching your face, especially your eyes, nose, and mouth.
3. Use disposable tissues when blowing your nose or wiping your eyes.
4. Disinfect frequently touched surfaces in your home and workspace.
5. Get vaccinated against the flu annually.
6. Maintain a healthy lifestyle to support your immune system.

Can wearing glasses or goggles help prevent flu-related eye infections? While not foolproof, wearing glasses or protective eyewear may provide a barrier against airborne droplets containing the flu virus, potentially reducing the risk of eye infections.

Recognizing Flu Complications: When to Seek Medical Attention

While most cases of flu resolve on their own, certain complications may require immediate medical attention. Be aware of the following warning signs:

• Difficulty breathing or shortness of breath
• Chest pain or pressure
• Sudden dizziness or confusion
• Severe or persistent vomiting
• Worsening of existing medical conditions
• Severe eye pain or vision changes

Who is at higher risk for flu complications? Certain groups, including young children, older adults, pregnant women, and individuals with weakened immune systems or chronic health conditions, are more susceptible to severe flu complications and should be monitored closely.

The Impact of Flu on Long-Term Eye Health

While most flu-related eye symptoms are temporary, in rare cases, the virus can lead to more serious ocular complications. These may include:

1. Viral conjunctivitis: A highly contagious inflammation of the eye’s surface that can persist even after other flu symptoms have resolved.
2. Optic neuritis: Inflammation of the optic nerve, which can cause temporary or permanent vision loss.
3. Uveitis: Inflammation of the middle layer of the eye, potentially leading to vision problems if left untreated.
4. Retinal complications: In extremely rare cases, flu can cause retinal hemorrhages or detachment.

How can you protect your long-term eye health during and after a flu infection? Regular eye check-ups, prompt treatment of any persistent symptoms, and maintaining overall health through proper nutrition and lifestyle choices are key to safeguarding your vision in the long run.

Understanding the Link Between Flu and Dry Eye Syndrome

While watery eyes are a common symptom of flu, some individuals may experience the opposite effect: dry eyes. This seemingly contradictory condition can occur due to several factors:

• Dehydration: Fever and reduced fluid intake during illness can lead to insufficient tear production.
• Medications: Some over-the-counter flu remedies may have drying effects on the eyes.
• Environmental factors: Spending more time indoors with heating or air conditioning can contribute to eye dryness.

To combat dry eyes during flu recovery, consider using preservative-free artificial tears, staying well-hydrated, and using a humidifier in your living space. If symptoms persist, consult an eye care professional for personalized advice.

The Role of Nutrition in Supporting Eye Health During Flu Recovery

Proper nutrition plays a crucial role in supporting overall health and immune function during flu recovery, including the health of your eyes. Consider incorporating the following nutrients into your diet:

1. Vitamin A: Essential for maintaining the cornea and conjunctival membranes. Found in carrots, sweet potatoes, and spinach.
2. Vitamin C: Supports the immune system and helps maintain healthy blood vessels in the eyes. Abundant in citrus fruits, bell peppers, and broccoli.
3. Omega-3 fatty acids: May help reduce inflammation and support tear production. Found in fatty fish, flaxseeds, and walnuts.
4. Zinc: Important for immune function and eye health. Present in oysters, beef, and pumpkin seeds.

While a balanced diet is ideal, some individuals may benefit from supplements during recovery. However, it’s essential to consult with a healthcare provider before starting any new supplement regimen, especially when recovering from illness.

The Psychological Impact of Flu-Related Eye Symptoms

The physical discomfort of flu-related eye symptoms can have a significant psychological impact on individuals. Some common emotional responses include:

• Frustration due to impaired vision or discomfort
• Anxiety about potential long-term effects on eye health
• Social withdrawal due to visible symptoms like redness or tearing
• Difficulty concentrating on work or daily tasks

To address these psychological challenges, consider the following strategies:

1. Practice relaxation techniques such as deep breathing or meditation to reduce stress.
2. Maintain open communication with family, friends, or colleagues about your condition.
3. Engage in enjoyable, low-strain activities that don’t strain your eyes, like listening to audiobooks or podcasts.
4. Seek support from online communities or support groups for individuals dealing with eye-related health issues.

Remember that these emotional responses are normal and typically subside as physical symptoms improve. However, if you experience persistent feelings of anxiety or depression related to your eye health, don’t hesitate to reach out to a mental health professional for additional support.

Emerging Research on Flu and Ocular Health

As our understanding of the flu virus continues to evolve, researchers are uncovering new insights into its impact on ocular health. Recent studies have explored:

• The potential for flu viruses to use the eye as an entry point for infection
• The role of tear film in protecting against viral infections
• Novel antiviral treatments specifically targeting ocular manifestations of flu
• The long-term effects of repeated flu infections on eye health

These ongoing research efforts aim to develop more effective prevention strategies and treatments for flu-related eye symptoms. As new findings emerge, healthcare professionals may refine their approach to managing ocular complications associated with influenza.

Occupational Considerations for Individuals with Flu-Related Eye Symptoms

For many people, managing flu symptoms while maintaining work responsibilities can be challenging, especially when eye-related issues are involved. Consider the following occupational considerations:

1. Screen time management: If your job involves extensive computer use, take frequent breaks and adjust screen settings to reduce eye strain.
2. Workplace hygiene: Inform colleagues about your condition and take extra precautions to prevent the spread of the virus in shared spaces.
3. Personal protective equipment: In some professions, wearing appropriate eye protection may be necessary to safeguard against further irritation or infection.
4. Flexible work arrangements: When possible, discuss options for remote work or modified duties with your employer to accommodate your recovery.

By addressing these occupational factors, you can better manage your flu-related eye symptoms while minimizing disruption to your professional life.

The Importance of Follow-Up Care After Flu-Related Eye Issues

Even after the acute phase of flu has passed, it’s crucial to pay attention to your eye health and seek appropriate follow-up care. Consider these recommendations:

• Schedule a comprehensive eye exam within a few weeks of recovery, especially if you experienced significant ocular symptoms.
• Monitor for any lingering or new eye-related issues and report them promptly to your healthcare provider.
• Discuss any concerns about long-term eye health with an ophthalmologist or optometrist.
• Review and update your eye care routine, including proper hygiene practices and the use of protective eyewear when appropriate.

By prioritizing follow-up care, you can ensure that any potential long-term effects of flu on your eye health are identified and addressed promptly, helping to maintain optimal vision and ocular comfort in the future.

Common Signs, Treatments, and Complications

Written by WebMD Editorial Contributors

• Common Flu Symptoms
• Flu Symptoms vs. Cold Symptoms
• How to Treat Flu Symptoms
• Flu Complications
• When Is Flu Season?

Unlike cold symptoms, signs of the flu tend to come on suddenly. You might have:

• Fever above 100 F
• Severe aches in your muscles and joints
• Weakness or severe fatigue
• Warm, flushed skin and red, watery eyes
• Chills
• A headache
• A dry cough
• A sore throat and runny nose

Vomiting and diarrhea with flu is more common in children. 

Get medical help right away if you have:

• Trouble breathing or shortness of breath
• Pain or pressure in your chest or belly
• Sudden dizziness
• Confusion
• Severe vomiting

These symptoms can mean your illness is severe.

The symptoms of colds and flu can be a lot alike. Here’s how to tell which one is making you sick:

• Fever. It can last 3 or 4 days with the flu; it’s rare with a cold.
• Aches. They might be severe with the flu; they’re mild with a cold.
• Chills. You’re likely to have them with the flu, but they’re rare with a cold.
• Fatigue. This is common with the flu and happens sometimes with a cold.
• Sneezing. You’re more likely to have this with a cold than with the flu.
• Cough and chest discomfort. This is common with both but tends to be severe with the flu.
• Stuffy nose. This sometimes happens with the flu but is common with a cold.
• Sore throat. This can be common with the flu but is more likely with a cold.
• Headache. This is common when you have the flu but rare with a cold.

In most cases, the best things to do when you have the flu are:

• Rest at home.
• Drink plenty of fluids.
• Avoid contact with other people.

Your doctor might give you prescription medications called antiviral drugs if you’re at higher risk of complications, such as if you:

• Are very sick or have other medical conditions
• Are younger than 2 or older than 65
• Have a weak immune system
• Are pregnant
• Are a Native American or an Alaska Native

These medicines — baloxavir marboxil (Xofluza), oseltamivir (Tamiflu), peramivir (Rapivab), and zanamivir (Relenza) — work best when you take them 48 hours or less after your symptoms start. Antivirals can decrease the severity and duration of illness and may prevent serious complications related to the flu.

People who are otherwise healthy don’t usually have serious problems from the flu.

Flu complications include:

• Pneumonia
• Sinus infection (sinusitis)
• Ear infection
• Inflamed bronchial tubes in your lungs (bronchitis)
• Asthma flare-ups
• Heart inflammation (myocarditis)
• Brain inflammation (encephalitis)
• Muscle problems
• Chronic heart disease flare-ups
• Organ failure

Seasonal flu follows a pattern, starting in the fall and ending in the spring. The first sign is often a sudden rise in the number of school-age children sick at home. This is soon followed by more illness in other groups, including parents.

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Watery eyes can be a bit of an obstacle when you’re trying to appear pulled together despite having a cold. So, what helps watery eyes with a common cold? With our top tips and tricks below, you’ll be able to get on with your day-to-day life. Sniffing and watery eyes often accompany each other, so we’ll also go through what to do when your cold brings both of them to the party.

What helps watery eyes with a common cold?

Watery eyes are a symptom of colds. And a remedy for watery eyes during a cold like the ones below, along with the right supplies, will help you cope with the waterworks. These tips specifically help watery eyes with a cold:

• Cleaning. Keeping your eyes clean with a gentle wash helps to remove any debris or irritants, which is also helpful when you’re suffering from allergies.
• Cold compress. Cool temperatures can, ironically, relieve this symptom of the common cold. A watery eyes home remedy to ease heat and prickliness involves placing a cool, clean flannel over your eyes for as long as necessary.
• Massage. A gentle eyelids massage could pep up the natural functions of your eyes during a cold. This method helps by stimulating the oil glands in your eyelids.
• Be prepared. When you have watery eyes with a common cold, it’s important to have the right kit with you when you’re out and about. That includes a quality pack of soft tissues, to help wipe your eyes whenever the need arises.

Those are the specifics on how to help watery eyes with a cold, but what about when you’re dealing with both sniffing and watery eyes? Watery eyes with a cold demand some slightly different approaches.

How to help watery eyes and a cold – at once!

It’s common to experience a runny nose and tearful eyes at the same time, so here are some general tips to deal with these sorts of cold symptoms:

• Rest. Your immune system will be busy expending energy on getting rid of the virus that has caused your sniffing and watery eyes, so by getting lots of rest you’ll help remove the virus more quickly.
• Stay hydrated. Sipping water regularly and eating clear chicken broth will help your mucus to thin and therefore drain faster from your nose. It will also help restore those fluids that have been lost due to your runny nose and watery eyes.
• Use a warm compress. The warmth of a damp, clean flannel over your nose and eyes can help soothe watery eyes. With a runny nose, it can help ease congestion.

With these tips you can help deal with your watery eyes that’re a symptom of a cold. Common cold reactions often include runny eyes with a cold, but you’ll be one step ahead of that pesky pair with these approaches.

If your symptoms don’t improve within a few weeks, we recommend seeing a doctor.

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Influenza and acute respiratory viral infections – Argun Hospital 1

Colds (ARVI, acute respiratory infections) and influenza are infectious diseases that are caused by viruses. They differ from each other in symptoms, as well as in violation of the functions of certain organs.

Acute respiratory infections mainly affect the upper respiratory tract, ie the nose and pharynx. Symptoms of these diseases include runny nose, watery eyes, weakness, headache, sore throat. Respiratory diseases occur more often in the cold season, but can also be observed in the spring and summer months. SARS last in most cases from 5 to 10 days. Early treatment of such diseases leads to a reduction in symptoms and promotes a rapid recovery.

A completely different picture is observed with influenza infections, which develop mainly in the winter months. Influenza affects not only the respiratory tract, but the entire body. The disease occurs suddenly and is characterized by more severe symptoms. This is, first of all, a high temperature, often accompanied by a feeling of cold up to severe chills. In addition, there is a headache, pain in the joints, muscles and back, a feeling of weakness, aches all over the body, severe weakness. Acute symptoms occur most often within a week. Residual effects – weakness, loss of strength can persist for several more weeks.

Influenza weakens the body and reduces resistance to other diseases. It is especially dangerous for young children, the elderly and people suffering from chronic diseases of the cardiovascular, respiratory systems, diabetes mellitus and immune disorders.

There are several types of infection: adenovirus, rhinovirus, coronavirus, metapneumovirus, respiratory syncytial, parainfluenza. The diagnosis is established by symptoms and epidemiological situation. Treatment necessarily includes antiviral therapy, analgesics, antibacterial agents. With an increase in temperature of more than 38º, it is recommended to use antipyretic drugs.

The source of the spread of viruses in SARS and influenza is sick people . The main route of transmission is airborne . Viruses accumulate and multiply on the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract. Together with droplets of saliva, sputum and mucus, when coughing, sneezing and talking, the patient releases the influenza virus, which spreads over a distance of 1.5 to 3 meters. The influenza virus enters the body of a healthy person through the mucous membrane of the nose, pharynx, larynx, bronchi. A contact route of infection is possible when a person touches objects contaminated with a virus or a patient with his hands, and then touches his eyes, nose, mouth. When infected with the influenza virus, the disease manifests itself after 12 – 72 hours from the moment of infection. The disease begins suddenly. When infected with viruses that cause SARS, the incubation period (the time from contact with the patient to the first signs of the disease) is shorter, and the symptoms appear gradually.

At the heart of predisposition to colds and flu lies primarily the weakening of the body’s own defenses.

There are several universal tips on how to stimulate the body’s defenses , which allows to some extent prevent colds and flu in adults and children:

– eat healthy and vitamin-rich food, more fresh vegetables and fruits, dairy products;

– drink more fluids: water, fruit juices, tea up to 2 liters per day;

– Reduce your alcohol intake and refrain from smoking, including passive smoking;

– Rinse nose daily with saline solution or use saline spray to moisten nasal mucosa;

– systematic hardening increases the body’s resistance to infectious diseases. It should be noted that hardening procedures should be started and regular sports activities (including health-improving gymnastics) should be started in the summer period against the background of good health, and not during the period of rising morbidity;

– avoid hypothermia and overheating;

– Ventilate and humidify the air in your living quarters and at work.

Thus, in order to avoid the occurrence of colds, it is necessary to maintain immunity, maintain a healthy lifestyle, and pay attention to preventive measures aimed at preventing the risk of a cold. When the first symptoms of a cold appear, you should immediately consult a doctor and do not prescribe medications yourself!

why children and adults experience pain with influenza and fever, how to relieve it

During a cold, weakness, aches, runny nose, cough, and fever often occur. These symptoms have long become habitual, and pain in the eyes occurs less frequently. Why such a symptom occurs, we understand in the article.

Why eyes hurt with the flu

Influenza is an acute viral disease ¹ . The causative agent of influenza infects the mucous membranes of the respiratory tract (primarily the trachea) and causes inflammation. As a result of the work of the immune system and the destruction of viruses, a large amount of toxins can enter the blood, so the patient develops symptoms of intoxication:

● increase in body temperature;

● weakness;

● were in the muscles and joints;

● headache ² .

One of the hallmarks of flu intoxication is soreness when moving the eyeballs, which may be accompanied by photophobia and lacrimation. The patient has redness of the eyes because toxins enter the organs of vision and oculomotor muscles through a well-developed vascular network ¹ .

Many people think that the eyes hurt at elevated temperatures. In fact, both pain and fever are due to intoxication, which is why they are often associated. In addition to pain, during a fever, a feeling of heat and dryness appears in the eyes. These symptoms develop due to dilation of blood vessels.

Discomfort in the organs of vision can appear not only because of the flu. Intoxication with fever and discomfort in the eyes accompanies many infections (adenovirus, coronavirus, and others). It just happens more often with the flu ¹ .

Pain in the eyes is more common at the very beginning of the disease and, with proper treatment, disappears after 2-3 days ² .

Why eyes hurt with colds

A cold is considered to be a condition accompanied by a runny nose, sore throat, fever and general weakness. However, officially, there is no such diagnosis. Under the common cold, most often mean an acute respiratory viral infection – SARS ³ . That is, the basis of the disease, as in the case of influenza, is infection of the body with respiratory viruses with signs of inflammation of the mucous membrane of the respiratory tract.

If you experience discomfort in the eyes, you should consult a doctor.

Diagnostics

Most often, no specific tests are required: the doctor will make a diagnosis based on a general examination and anamnesis of the disease. If the infection is severe, PCR diagnostics may be prescribed. It will help to determine the type of pathogen and start the right treatment in time.

To identify complications, the doctor may recommend a general and biochemical blood test, as well as write a referral for additional instrumental studies ³ .

Seek immediate medical attention if you experience any of the following symptoms:

● Only one eye hurts;

● decreased visual acuity;

● spots, flies, a feeling of veil or fog appeared in the field of view;

● pain in the eyes is accompanied by a feeling of nausea and dizziness;

● increased heart rate, increased excitability.

These symptoms may be signs of a serious illness.

First aid before going to the doctor

An antipyretic such as paracetamol or ibuprofen can be taken to relieve pain and reduce fever.

Before using any drug, read the instructions or consult your doctor.

Treatment

To get rid of the pain in the eyes, you need to treat the underlying disease. For influenza and SARS, treatment is prescribed by a doctor. It usually includes ³ :

1. Antiviral therapy. Drugs will help the body get rid of the pathogen, and recovery will come faster.

Direct acting antivirals include Nobasit ^® Forte ⁵ . Its active ingredient (enisamia iodide) is unique in having an additional anti-inflammatory effect comparable in strength to Ibuprofen ⁴ . Enisamia iodide is able not only to reduce by 3 times the severity of symptoms of body intoxication in influenza and acute respiratory viral infections, such as fever, muscle pain, headache already starting from the second day of taking ⁵ *, but also to reduce local manifestations of a cold – pain in throat, nasal congestion, runny nose, cough, sneezing ⁵

2. Symptomatic therapy. It is aimed at reducing the severity of the clinical symptoms of the disease and is prescribed to alleviate the patient’s condition, for example, antipyretic and analgesic drugs, vasoconstrictor drops in the nose.
3. Drink plenty of water. It will help to remove metabolic products and reduce the severity of intoxication.

Briefly about the main

➢ Pain in the eyes occurs as a result of intoxication. Therefore, most often it occurs with influenza, which is often accompanied by an intoxication syndrome, and less often with SARS caused by other respiratory viruses.

➢ The pain in the eyes is not directly related to fever. But fever can exacerbate poor health and add a feeling of heat and dryness in the eyes to unpleasant symptoms.

➢ When pain occurs in the eyes, it is important to consult a doctor in time to find out the cause of the symptom.

➢ To combat the cause of the disease of a viral nature, it is recommended to use direct antiviral drugs, for example, Nobasit ^®
Forte ⁶

➢ To alleviate the general condition of the patient, you can take an antipyretic and / or anti-inflammatory drug (paracetamol or ibuprofen), and use vasoconstrictor drugs for a runny nose

➢ Pain in the eyes due to fever is not treated separately. It goes along with the underlying disease.

BIBLIOGRAPHY:

¹ Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Influenza in adults”, 2022.

² Nekhaev S.G., Badakva T.L. Analysis of clinical symptoms, laboratory and instrumental data in different periods of influenza patients // Bulletin of new medical technologies. Electronic edition. 2019.No. 3. Publication 3-9. DOI: 10.24411/2075-4094-2019-16408.

³ Clinical recommendations of the Ministry of Health of the Russian Federation “Acute respiratory viral infections (ARVI) in adults”, 2021.

⁴ Zyryanov S.K., Butranova O.I., Gaidai D.S., Kryshen K.L. Pharmacotherapy of acute respiratory infections caused by influenza viruses. Therapeutic archive. 2021; 93(1): 114–124. DOI: 10.26442/00403660.2021.01.200551

⁵ Lioznov D.A. Karnaukhova E.Yu.