Challenging the myths

There are many myths about head lice and how they are transmitted. Here are some facts to help set your customers straight:

• Lice can only walk from person to person along hair strands – they cannot fly, swim or jump
• Lice thrive on any kind of hair – clean or dirty
• Short hair does not protect against head lice
• Head lice are not just caught at school – close family and friends may be the source of the infection
• A child with lice doesn’t need to be kept home from school
• Chemical insecticides should not be used as preventatives
• Human head lice don’t live on pets or other animals.