Example 3

Head Lice: What Everyone Needs to Know

Anyone can get head lice.
Head lice are tiny insects that live on the human head. They lay small eggs called flits. The flits are firmly attached to the hair, and are found close to the scalp. Any person can get head lice. Long hair, cleanliness and living conditions do not cause head lice.

Lice spread quickly.
Most often head lice spread to other people by crawling from one head to another. We see lice more often in children because they are usually in direct contact with each other while playing or in school. Lice do not jump or fly. They can also be spread by sharing such things as hats, scarves or combs. Often, the first sign of lice is itching and scratching. Lice multiply quickly and spread easily. Early treatment is important

Check your children weekly.
All parents must check their children’s hair weekly.
Look close to the scalp
       — behind the ears
       — the back of the neck
       — top of the head.

Illustration is included.

What to look for.
• One of the first signs is itching and scratching the head.
• Adult lice are hard to see (1/8” long).
• The flits (eggs) are easier to see.
• Nits are firmly attached to the hair close to the scalp.
• Nits are greyish-white in colour and oval in shape.

How to check.
• Spend at least five (5) minutes weekly checking each child.
• Good lighting is important.
• Look for nits by parting hair in small sections going from one side of the head to the other. Check carefully    close to the scalp.
• Nits may look like dandruff but cannot be flicked off.