Tips for preventing the spread of chickenpox

To prevent the spread of chickenpox infection:

• You or your child should not return to work, school, or day care until after all skin sores have crusted over, usually about 5 to 7 days after the rash started.
• Use a household cleaner such as Lysol or Pine-Sol to wash any articles that are soiled with fluid from chickenpox blisters.
• Stay away from other family members who have not had chickenpox. Family members are 5 times more likely to get chickenpox from an infected person in their household than from playmates or schoolmates.
• Stay away from people who have not had chickenpox or the chickenpox vaccine, especially pregnant women and people with impaired immune systems.