Chickenpox spreads easily through the air and through contact with fluid from the blisters. When one person in the house has it, these steps reduce the chance of others catching it.

Keep the patient separate

• Use a separate, well-ventilated room if possible
• Don't share utensils, towels, bedding or personal items
• Continue until every blister has dried and scabbed, usually 5 to 7 days after the rash starts

Hand and surface hygiene

• Wash hands with soap after any contact with the patient or their things
• Clean door handles, switches, taps and toys daily
• Wash the patient's clothes, bedding and towels separately in hot water

For the person caring for the patient

• Wear a mask, and gloves when applying lotion or touching blisters
• Ideally, the carer should be someone who has already had chickenpox or the vaccine

Who needs extra care

Keep pregnant women, newborns, older people and anyone with weak immunity away from the patient. If any of them has been exposed and has never had chickenpox, contact a doctor the same day, as early treatment may be needed.

Protecting the family

• Ask your doctor about the chickenpox vaccine for family members who have never had it; given soon after exposure, it can prevent or soften the illness
• Eat a balanced diet and get enough sleep

For symptoms, home care and warning signs, see chickenpox: symptoms and home care.

Dr Amit Kumar (BHMS, Delhi Homoeopathic Board Reg. No. 2350) has practised in Sector 4, Vaishali, Ghaziabad since 1994. The clinic is at B-3, Basement, Mini Reliance Plaza, near Sarvodaya Hospital, open Monday to Saturday, 11 AM to 1 PM and 6 PM to 8 PM. A consultation costs ₹500.

See clinic timings and book a consultation