Tackling head lice is not a school's responsibility, but by taking some simple steps to educate our parents and carers we can have a big impact on outbreak prevention.
The Facts of Lice
- Lice are wingless insects, living and feeding on the blood from the scalp.
- Nits are actually the empty egg cases left on the hair after the lice have hatched.
- Adult lice can live for as long as a month, with females laying several eggs a day. Research indicates that one untreated female louse can lead to an infestation of 1,000 head lice in just a month.
- Lice can only spread by head to head contact.
- The best known symptom of head lice is the itching, but only 30 per cent are aware of it. It can be uncomfortable, affect sleep and even affect a child's confidence.
- Lice have no preference to clean or dirty hair and can only survive on human heads. They can't live on bedding, clothes or pets.
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NHS Advice
Use this link to access NHS advice about preventing and treating head lice.