Health Links
Below is information that will be helpful to parents regarding various frequently asked questions:
Head Lice:
· Lice are a parasite that do not cause disease. They infest hair by crawling (they do NOT jump or fly) and feed on blood from the human scalp.
· Hygiene has nothing to do with Lice and in fact they prefer cleaner hair since it's preferable to 'glue' their eggs or nits to.
· If you are told by your school nurse that your child has Lice, please consult with your family physician to determine the best method of treatment.
· Only treat family members that have been diagnosed with Lice since the incorrect use of pesticides for the treatment of head Lice poses a risk.
· If your child has been diagnosed with active live Lice, he or she will be sent home from school for treatment (as determined by your physician). All bedding, child outerwear and stuffed animals/toys should be washed and dried in a hot dryer for at least 20 minutes each day OR bagged up for 2 weeks, until it is determined that the Lice is gone.
· The Jordan Elbridge Central school district does not have a 'no nit policy'. Upon initial treatment, the student may return to school and the family will work collaboratively with the school nurse to remedy the Lice issue.
· While Lice is not a health concern, it can be a nuisance. Prevention is key! If you are having difficulty at home remediating the issue, please call your child’s school nurse for support.
Lice Prevention:
- Teach children to avoid head-to-head contact during play and other activities at home, school, and elsewhere (for example: sports, playgrounds, slumber parties, and camps).
- Teach children not to share clothing and supplies, such as: hats, scarves, helmets, sports uniforms, towels, combs, brushes, bandanas, hair ties, and headphones.
- Wear long hair up in a ponytail, braid or bun.