Is Pink Eye Contagious?

Posted on Sun, 4 May 2014

Medically reviewed by Ask A Doctor - 24x7 Medical Review Team

Sun, 4 May 2014 Answered on

Sat, 24 May 2014 Last reviewed on

Question : I have two brothers that come to my daycare, one has pink eye one doesn't have it yet the mother wants to bring the one to daycare and I am afraid he will come down with it exposing all my other 8 children some are babies I need advice isn't it highly contagious?

Answered by Dr. Eric Goldstein (3 hours later)

Brief Answer:
pink eye

Detailed Answer:
Hello,

Thank you for your question.

Pink eye is contagious. If the brother does not yet exhibit any symptoms, then you probably don't have to worry about him spreading it to the other children. However, a reasonable approach would be to politely ask the mother bring a note from her pediatrician stating that the boy is not contagious. This should not be offensive to her and will also be reassuring to you.

Regards,

Above answer was peer-reviewed by : Dr. Raju A.T