Eye Inflammation Can Signal More Than Just a Cold

Sneezing, coughing and fever are classic flu symptoms — but eye irritation can also indicate a viral infection. Don’t dismiss persistent redness, swelling, tearing or light sensitivity as just a cold or allergies.

With flu season here and other respiratory illnesses circulating, it’s important to stay attentive to early warning signs.  After last year’s record-high number of flu and respiratory illnesses, the Centers for Disease Control has a similar outlook for 2025-2026.

Routine eye exams offer important benefits — including helping detect issues that may relate to seasonal illness — so keeping up with your appointments matters.

AAA Northeast members in Rhode Island can sign up for both dental and vision insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island.

How Flu Affects the Eyes

The flu impacts your entire body. When your immune system detects the virus, it releases chemicals to fight the infection, which can lead to eye redness, itching, tearing and light sensitivity. Swollen sinuses may add to the irritation, and dehydration from fever can also leave your eyes feeling dry.

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Relief for Irritated Eyes When Sick

When illness leaves your eyes feeling sore, dry or swollen, these simple steps can help soothe irritation and prevent further discomfort.

• Apply cool compresses to the eyes several times a day to reduce swelling. Use a washcloth soaked in cool water or cucumber slices placed directly on the eyes.
• Stay hydrated. Drink water and other clear liquids.
• Hands off! Rubbing your eyes will make the irritation worse.
• Use non-prescription lubricating eye drops to relieve the discomfort.
• Check all your medications. Some drugs, including decongestants and antihistamines, can dry out eyes.
• Don’t wait too long to see a doctor if you have eye pain. Usually flu-related eye irritation is mild and does not last long, but in some cases could lead to complications like uveitis, an inflammation of the eye’s middle layer. Symptoms include blurred vision, redness and eye pain and may require treatment.
• Sleep with your head slightly elevated to help drain your sinuses and reduce facial swelling.
• Some people who have the flu develop conjunctivitis, also known as pink eye, which causes redness, itching and tearing. Antibiotic eye drops usually clear up conjunctivitis in a few days.

Preventing Eye Irritation

Taking a few proactive steps can go a long way toward reducing your risk of eye irritation, especially during cold and flu season.

• Get a flu vaccine.
• Be vigilant about hygiene. Keep tissues handy and use them to cover your face and nose when you sneeze or cough.
• Wash your hands thoroughly and frequently.
• To reduce sinus irritation, try using a humidifier to keep the air damp.
• Talk to your doctor about adding more omega-3 fatty acids to your diet. Some studies suggest they may help reduce eye and eyelid inflammation. Good sources include fatty fish such as salmon or tuna.

Stay on top of your yearly vision exams and don’t wait to see a doctor if dry, itchy or watery eyes continue this flu season. Rhode Island AAA members can also sign up for affordable dental and vision insurance through Delta Dental of Rhode Island.

Ellen R. Delisio

Ellen is a content producer for AAA Northeast, covering automotive, finance, public affairs and electric vehicle news. She is a former newspaper reporter with experience writing for print and online publications about everything from higher education to sustainability. She recently returned to her native Long Island after living in Connecticut for 20-plus years, and has never met a beach she didn’t like.