Although adult conjunctivitis is most often due to a viral infection, it sometimes may be caused by a bacterial infection. While viral conjunctivitis produces watery or stringy discharge, bacterial conjunctivitis tends to produce pus-like discharge all day. Both viral and bacterial conjunctivitis can occur along with colds or symptoms of a respiratory infection, such as a sore throat. Wearing contact lenses that aren't cleaned properly or aren't your own can cause bacterial conjunctivitis . Both types are very contagious. Since conjunctivitis is usually viral, antibiotics won't help. They may even cause harm by reducing their effectiveness in the future or causing a medicine reaction. Pink eye ( conjunctivitis ) generally remains contagious as long as your child has tearing and matted eyes. Pink eye is commonly caused by viruses or bacteria. Depending on the cause of your child's pink eye , signs and symptoms usually improve within a few days to two weeks.
