September, 2009

Note from the Nurse

Re: Head Lice

I want to address the subject of head lice, which is a common occurrence in schools, especially in the fall and spring. The following tips will help with prevention of the spread of head lice:

• Anyone can get head lice-they are not a sign of poor hygiene or poor sanitation.
• Head lice are a common problem any place where there are groups of children, such as childcare setting and school.
• Head lice do not fly or jump.
• Lice feed on blood every 3-6 hours. The primary symptom of infestation is itching.

• Head lice are passed from person to person by direct contact, on shared personal items (combs, brushes, hats, carves, headgear, headphones, jackets, and other clothing), or by contact with infested bedding, furniture, carpeting, car seats, theater or airplane seats.
• Avoid sharing hair care items, clothing, hats, sports headgear, towels, and bedding.
• Frequently check children’s heads throughout the year. Early detection makes it easier to get rid of them.
• Don’t confuse dirt or dandruff with nits (eggs). Nits stick on the hair. The BEST way of eliminating nits is combing with a Nit Comb.
• The heads of all family members should be checked daily for approximately 2 weeks because of the life cycle of the head lice, which can be as long as 30 days on a human head (for mature lice).
• Head lice are more of a nuisance than a health hazard.
• If live lice are found, the student must be kept home and treated for lice. The student can return to school if lice free. Please stop by office first and have your student checked before returning to class the following day after treatment.

Prevention and perseverance are needed to break the “lice cycle.”

Thank you for your cooperation.

Yvette Buich, RN, PHN

Health Educator/ School Nurse

SRVUSD