CA
A 27-year-old member asked:
Is it possible to catch pink eye from another person who only had an ear infection?
3 doctor answers • 5 doctors weighed in
Dr. Andrew Shatzanswered
Ophthalmology 27 years experience
Rare but possible: The cold virus can be transferred to the eye from direct contact (touching an infected person or an object with the virus on it) or contact with airborne virus (from a sneeze or breath). Although it is unlikely for a viral ear infection to pass to someone's eye, the virus can last on surfaces for several hours. If they touch their ear, then you touch them, and then your eye, it is possible...
6.3k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Dr. Theodore Wuanswered
Ophthalmology 23 years experience
Pink: Possibly. Since pinkeye is often caused by a cold virus (adenovirus strain), that virus may cause both eye and ear infection. Keep your hands clean at all times, and do not rub your eyes...
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
Dr. John Goldenberganswered
ENT and Head and Neck Surgery 30 years experience
No: Pink eye is viral and from contact with another individual with a viral conjunctivitis.
5.5k viewsAnswered >2 years ago
1 comment
Dr. Ronald Achong commented
Oral &Maxillofacial Surgery 19 years experience
Great answer. I agree 100%
Dec 5, 2012
Similar questions
A 42-year-old member asked:
Could you catch pink eye from another person who only had an ear infection?
1 doctor answer • 3 doctors weighed in
Dr. James Carpenteranswered
Child Abuse Pediatrics 46 years experience
Not likely: Most pink eye is caused by viruses that cause conjunctivitis with or without other symptoms such as runny nose. Ear infections often follow coughs and colds.
Conjunctivitis can also be allergic, irritant or bacterial.
5.5k viewsReviewed >2 years ago
Last updated Oct 4, 2016
People also asked
Connect with a U.S. board-certified doctor by text or video anytime, anywhere.
24/7 visits - just $39!
50% off with $15/month membership
Disclaimer:
Content on HealthTap (including answers) should not be used for medical advice, diagnosis, or treatment, and interactions on HealthTap do not create a doctor-patient relationship. Never disregard or delay professional medical advice in person because of anything on HealthTap. Call your doctor or 911 if you think you may have a medical emergency.