Yes, with the colder weather comes hat season and also the sharing of hats which can become a breading ground for lice.
Signs and symptoms
Intense itching is the most common sign that your child may have head lice. Lice are about the size of a sesame seed; the color may be grayish-white to reddish-brown. Their nits are small, silvery-white and are attached to the hair shaft just above the scalp. Head lice are commonly found around the nape of the neck and behind the ears.
What else do I need to know?
Children should understand the importance of not sharing combs, brushes or hats or any personal hygiene items. Children should also know that head-to-head contact with friends can transmit lice. Inspect your child’s head carefully and frequently for signs of lice and nits. Pay close attention to children who consistently scratch their heads. If your child has a case of head lice, please inform your school nurse and classroom teacher.
A common problem
Lice are small insects that live on human hair. Children 3-11 are their usual hosts. Having head lice has nothing to do with poor personal hygiene. Lice do not jump, hop, or fly, nor do they typically survive off their human host more than 24 hours. They are mainly acquired by direct head-to-head contact with an infested person’s hair and therefore are most likely transmitted in the home setting. Lice should not be considered a medical or public health problem, since they rarely (if ever) cause direct harm and are not known to transmit infectious agents from person-to person.
