Is Viral Conjunctivitis Spreading in Saunas?
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Is Viral Conjunctivitis Spreading in Saunas? A Surprising Threat This Summer
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Is Viral Conjunctivitis Spreading in Saunas? A Surprising Threat This Summer
With the surge in sauna enthusiasts, the risk of infections, particularly viral conjunctivitis, has increased significantly.
Saunas have become a national craze in Japan, attracting people of all ages who look forward to unwinding after work. The sauna industry is thriving, but this summer, a surprising pitfall has emerged. Naoki Hamamoto, a 57-year-old insurance salesman and avid sauna-goer of eight years, shared his troubling experience.
“Visiting the local sauna at opening time was part of my daily routine. There’s nothing like diving into a freshly cleaned sauna and cold plunge pool. But one day in July, the sauna was unusually crowded, and I ended up touching skin with the person next to me in the cold plunge. The next day, I woke up with intense pain in both eyes.”
Hamamoto rushed to an ophthalmologist the next morning and faced a harsh reality.
A Week-long Quarantine
“When I tried to check in, the staff saw my red eyes and shouted, ‘That looks like viral conjunctivitis. Please wait outside!’ I had to complete the paperwork on the street. After waiting nearly an hour, the doctor confirmed it was viral conjunctivitis. He even pinpointed my usual sauna as a possible source, saying several cases had come from there.”
Hamamoto’s troubles didn’t end there. The infection’s high contagion level led to a mandatory week-long leave from work.
“The company told me not to come in for a week because it’s highly contagious. They even offered to provide a doctor’s note. I never thought conjunctivitis could lead to this.”
Even at the ophthalmologist’s office, precautions were strict. “They apologized and asked me to use a contactless payment method if possible. Since I reported this to my wife, I’ve been treated like a germ and confined to my room for five days. I feel like I’m going crazy.”
That day, Hamamoto’s temperature spiked to 38 degrees Celsius, and he experienced chills, fearing a possible COVID-19 co-infection.
Why Saunas and Pools Spread Infections
Dr. Hiroaki Inoue explains that viral conjunctivitis can have a short incubation period of one day or up to a week. Currently, it’s spreading rapidly.
“Highly contagious forms, called ‘epidemic keratoconjunctivitis,’ cause severe redness, pain, itching, discomfort, constant tearing, and swollen eyelids. Shared towels and objects used to wipe eyes can increase infection risk. The virus can also be present in feces, which may explain transmissions in saunas and pools.”
Hamamoto mentioned that several of his sauna friends contracted conjunctivitis in recent months. Treatment typically involves steroid and antibiotic eye drops applied every two hours, but Hamamoto saw no improvement after five days.
“My eyes are still red and painful. I can’t go to my beloved sauna, and even wearing contact lenses is tough. They advised against contacts, but it’s very uncomfortable.”
Viral conjunctivitis is a serious concern for sauna enthusiasts, and it’s crucial to recognize that it can affect anyone.
About Dr. Hiroaki Inoue: A 2014 graduate of Tokyo University Medical School, Dr. Inoue is a seasoned surgeon who opened Very Clinic in Roppongi, Tokyo. He specializes in genital reconstruction and is well-versed in sexually transmitted infections.
Is Viral Conjunctivitis Spreading in Saunas? A Surprising Threat This Summer
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