Sick Note for Pink Eye (Conjunctivitis): Contagious Period and Work
Viral conjunctivitis is highly contagious for 10-14 days. Many employers require you to stay home. Here's how to get documentation without visiting a clinic.
## Pink Eye and Work: Contagion Concerns
Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is one of the most visibly obvious illnesses — and one of the most contagious. Many employers, particularly in healthcare, food service, childcare, and education, require employees to stay home until they're no longer contagious.
### Types of Conjunctivitis
| Type | Contagious? | Duration | Treatment |
|------|------------|----------|-----------|
| Viral | Highly contagious | 7-14 days | Supportive care |
| Bacterial | Contagious until treated | 5-7 days with antibiotics | Antibiotic drops |
| Allergic | Not contagious | Ongoing | Antihistamines |
### When You Must Stay Home
You should stay home from work if:
- You have discharge from one or both eyes
- Your eye(s) are red, swollen, and watering
- You work in healthcare, food service, childcare, or education
- Your employer's policy requires you to stay home with contagious conditions
- You cannot safely perform your job (blurred vision, light sensitivity)
### How Long to Stay Off Work
- **Viral conjunctivitis:** Contagious for 10-14 days from onset. Most employers require you to stay home for at least 3-5 days or until discharge stops.
- **Bacterial conjunctivitis:** Contagious until 24-48 hours after starting antibiotic drops.
- **Allergic conjunctivitis:** Not contagious — no time off needed unless symptoms are severe.
### Why MedLetter Is Ideal for Pink Eye
Going to a walk-in clinic with pink eye means:
- Sitting in a waiting room potentially spreading the infection
- Touching surfaces that others will touch
- Being in close proximity to vulnerable people
MedLetter eliminates this problem entirely — get your documentation from home without risking spreading the infection.
### Getting Documentation
1. Describe your symptoms (which eye, type of discharge, duration)
2. Note your occupation (especially if healthcare, food service, or childcare)
3. A licensed physician reviews your submission
4. Receive documentation via email
### Return to Work
Many employers require confirmation that you're no longer contagious before returning. MedLetter can provide return-to-work documentation when clinically appropriate.
### When to Seek In-Person Care
Visit a clinic or ophthalmologist if:
- You have severe eye pain (not just irritation)
- Your vision is significantly affected
- You see halos around lights
- Symptoms worsen after 5 days
- You wear contact lenses and develop symptoms
- You have a weakened immune system
**Important:** MedLetter provides documentation for work absences only. If you need antibiotic treatment for bacterial conjunctivitis, you will need to see a physician who can prescribe medication.
[Get Your Documentation →](/get-started/sick_note)