Pink Eye Season Is Here
If you're a Chicago parent with a child in daycare, you've probably seen that dreaded notification: "Pink eye has been reported in your child's classroom." Conjunctivitis is one of the most common childhood infections, and it spreads like wildfire in childcare settings.
What Is Pink Eye?
According to the American Academy of Ophthalmology, pink eye (conjunctivitis) is inflammation of the clear membrane covering the white part of the eye. It can be caused by:
- Viruses (most common, often with cold symptoms)
- Bacteria (thick discharge, requires antibiotics)
- Allergies (itchy, watery, both eyes, not contagious)
- Irritants (smoke, chlorine, not contagious)
Viral vs. Bacterial: How to Tell
Viral Conjunctivitis
- Usually starts in one eye, spreads to the other
- Clear, watery discharge
- Often accompanies a cold
- Eyes may be red and irritated
- No antibiotics needed (runs its course in 7-14 days)
Bacterial Conjunctivitis
- Thick yellow or green discharge
- Eyes may be crusted shut in the morning
- Can affect one or both eyes
- Requires antibiotic eye drops or ointment
Allergic Conjunctivitis
- Both eyes affected
- Intense itching
- Seasonal pattern or triggered by allergens
- Not contagious
Treatment Guide
For Viral Pink Eye
The Mayo Clinic recommends:
- Cool compresses for comfort
- Artificial tears to soothe irritation
- Practice good hand hygiene
- Wait it out (usually resolves in 1-2 weeks)
For Bacterial Pink Eye
- Antibiotic drops or ointment from your doctor
- Clean eyes gently with warm, damp cloth
- Discard eye makeup and contact lenses
- Typically improves within 24-48 hours of treatment
For All Types
- Wash hands frequently
- Don't touch or rub eyes
- Don't share towels, pillows, or washcloths
- Wash bedding and towels daily
Chicago Daycare Policies
Most Chicago daycares require:
- Bacterial pink eye: 24 hours on antibiotic treatment before returning
- Viral pink eye: Policies vary—some require no discharge, others allow return with good hygiene
- Allergic pink eye: No exclusion needed (not contagious)
Pink Eye Reports Across Chicago
Parents on Ick have reported pink eye outbreaks at daycares in:
- Lakeview
- Roscoe Village
- West Loop
- Pilsen
Track outbreaks at your child's school by following it on Ickly.
Prevention Tips for Chicago Parents
According to the CDC's prevention guidelines:
- Teach kids not to touch their eyes
- Send individual hand towels to daycare if allowed
- Wash hands immediately after arriving home from school
- Clean glasses and goggles regularly
- Keep extra changes of pillowcases on hand during outbreaks
Sources:
Is pink eye going around your child's daycare? Report it on Ick to help other families prepare.