Lice: Tiny Blood Suckers

Lice aren’t vampires, but they hold onto hair and bite into your scalp (or more likely into your children’s scalps) and feed on blood. Usually, bites aren’t painful, but they may itch.

According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, an estimated 6 to 12 million lice cases occur each year among children 3 to 11 years old.

It’s understandable that when children get lice, it’s upsetting to both parents and school staff. But, it’s important to remember that lice can be effectively treated.

Contrary to what you may think: Anyone can get head lice. It’s not a sign of uncleanliness. Pets don’t carry lice or spread them to you. And although you don’t want to use anyone else’s hairbrush, lice seem to be transmitted from head-to-head contact from one person to another. Lice don’t carry serious diseases, and kids with lice at school should see a doctor for treatment with shampoos.