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"Pink eye that’s spread through school is typically a virus and it actually is an oxymoron because usually the school nurse wants then to help with antibiotic drops, but antibiotics don't help a virus. It's just like a flu or anything else, when a virus is around it can be very contagious," said Dr. Robert Brass

Pink eye is an inflammation in the eye causing blood vessels to enlarge can sometimes be caused by an allergy.

“If it is an allergy, the eyes don't stick together as much in the morning. There is not as much discharge and the discharge is white and stringy. When kids have a bacterial infection, the discharge tends to be yellow or green and the eyes stick together more in the morning," Brass said.

Pink eye is often treated with eye drops. Use warm washcloths to help reduce the discharge.

“Lubricate that and soften it and then gently take your finger along the eye brow and pull the lashes a part. You cannot do any damage by trying to pull the eye lids a part,” said Brass.

Reduce your risk of spreading pink eye by washing your hands constantly and you can spread an awful lot of bacteria and viruses by touching your eye. It's important in reducing your chances of spreading bacteria by using a tissue.

“When there is an outbreak of conjunctivitis, avoid touching your eye. You can use a tissue, the edge of a shirt, even your tie," Brass said.

When should you go to a doctor for pink eye?

“With the eye, the conjunctivitis should never be painful. It tends to itchy and be kind of crusty but the vision should be ok and the eye is red. If the child is complaining of pain and can't see, whenever the level of tolerance is too much, it's a good idea to have it seen,” said Brass.