One of the most common and contagious infections among children is named after its most obvious symptom -- pink eye.

Hi, I’m Dr. John Hellerstedt with the Children’s Health Minute presented by this station and TexCare -- connecting Texas families with children’s health insurance for 18 dollars a month or less.

Its real name is conjunctivitis and it’s an infection of the outermost layer of the eye. A virus or bacteria usually causes pink eye. In addition to redness, symptoms can include itching, burning and thick mucus coming from the eye. Pink eye can be very contagious. Good hand washing, and not rubbing the eyes are some of the best ways to avoid pinkeye. If you think your child has pink eye, visit your child’s doctor. They may prescribe eye drops to fight the infection and soothe your child’s eye.

Keep your kids healthy. Call TexCare at 1-800-647-6558 to apply or when it’s time to renew your children’s health care coverage. That’s 1-800-647-6558.