Got pink eye? Or is it COVID with pink eye? What to know about novel coronavirus among us

If your child wakes up with sticky pink eyes, it could be pink eye.

It could also be a new case of COVID-19.

Pink eye is a symptom of a COVID-19 omicron variant named Arcturus – or the XBB.1.16 variant.

And this symptom, which has been more common in children, gives us a reminder that yes, the novel coronavirus is still a thing.

"COVID is still with us and likely will be for the future," said Hamilton County Health Commissioner Greg Kesterman. "Between vaccination and immunity, we’ve reduced both the incidence and severity of the virus, but make no mistake – it’s still here.

Here's what you need to know.

How common is the XBB.1.16 variant?

The XBB.1.16 variant isn't new, but it has made a more prominent appearance lately. From June 11-24, Arcturus made up nearly 1 in 5 cases of COVID-19 in the United States, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, and almost 11% of COVID-19 variants in Ohio. It is important to keep in mind that this is a snapshot of the population, the Ohio Department of Health notes – not all cases are sequenced, and there can be lags in the reporting.

What is Arcturus, though?

For those interested in the stellar reference, Arcturus is the brightest star in the northern celestial hemisphere.

Is the air quality an issue for pink eye? What else?

There are a few possible causes for conjunctivitis. Children could also have chemical conjunctivitis with the poor air quality from smoke the region experienced last week, said Dr. Felicia Scaggs Huang, associate director of Infection Prevention and Control at Cincinnati Children’s.

To top it off, there are also cough and cold viruses that can result in pink eye.

How do I deal with my child's pink eye and other symptoms?

“If they are having other symptoms, like fever, sore throat, cough or fatigue, you can test for COVID, but I would treat them as if they have an infection unless you determine that the cause is allergic or irritant," said Dr. Jennifer Forrester, an associate professor of infectious diseases at the University of Cincinnati College of Medicine, and associate chief medical officer at UC Health. She's a mom, too.

Pink eye is contagious. What should I (or my child) do to avoid spreading it?

Here are some tips to avoid spreading pink eye:

• Keep your kiddo away from others.

• Tell them to try not to touch their face.

• Wash hands often.

• See a doctor to find out the cause and treatment.

• Don't share personal items.

If I'm vaccinated for COVID-19 am I safe from Arcturus?

Laboratories are currently evaluating whether those vaccinated by current SARS-CoV-2 vaccines are protected from the omicron XBB.1.16 variant.

Huang Scaggs added, "Many experts are optimistic that is covered."

She recommends checking with your doctor (or your kids' docs) to see if you're up to date on vaccinations.

How is COVID-19 still a threat?

"COVID still kills a lot more people per month than the flu," said Cincinnati Health Commissioner Dr. Grant Mussman. For some comparison, he added, "It is less than pneumonia now."

Cases have been trending down in Hamilton County this year, but there are still hospitalizations and deaths. As of June 28, reported cases amounted to 8,759, hospitalizations were 345, deaths were at 68.

From Scaggs Huang: COVID-19 cases in Cincinnati Children's patients have been "stably low."

But she reminded, "many families are not choosing to get tested the way they did early in the COVID-19 pandemic for mild respiratory symptoms or pink eye, so it may underrepresent what is happening in the community."

This article originally appeared on Cincinnati Enquirer: Is your kid's pink eye a sign of COVID-19? Here's what to know