To distinguish between viral and bacterial conjunctivitis in a 13-month-old child, look for symptoms such as redness in the eyes and pus in the corners of the eyes. If these symptoms occur along with a cold, it is more likely to be viral conjunctivitis, which does not require antibiotic drops to heal. To help reduce the amount of mucus that can spread from the nose to the eyes, follow a technique that involves clearing the nasal passages. This technique, when done multiple times a day, can help improve the situation within about a day.