Bacterial conjunctivitis typically lasts around 7 to 10 days without antibiotic treatment. Viral conjunctivitis usually lasts longer than bacterial conjunctivitis, with symptoms that can persist for up to three weeks. If conjunctivitis does not resolve with antibiotics after 3 to 4 days, the infection is most likely viral. Bacterial conjunctivitis is characterized by mucopurulent discharge (pus) that is typically yellowish-green in color. Common symptoms of bacterial cases of conjunctivitis include burning and stinging. While bacterial conjunctivitis can present in only one eye, it is usually present in both eyes or will spread to the contralateral (opposite) eye. If conjunctivitis is caused by a bacterial infection, it can result in otitis media (infection of the middle ear). Systemic antibiotics are indicated when a patient presents with both conjunctivitis and a middle ear infection. Like viral conjunctivitis, bacterial conjunctivitis is contagious.