My daughter has been told that she has a pink eye. How long is this infection contagious?

Pink eye is also known as conjunctivitis and can be caused by either a bacteria or a virus. 


All children who have a pink eye are contagious as long as the symptoms of excessive tearing and redness are present. In most cases, with treatment the symptoms of a pink eye last 3-6 days. Once there is no more tearing the child can return back to school. 


However, if the pink eye was due to a bacterial infection it is important to continue the antibiotic as recommended. Frequent hand washing and good eye hygiene are essential in preventing transmission of this infection to others