Kids typically get lice because they come into head-to-head contact with someone who already has head lice. This close proximity allows the lice to easily crawl from one person's hair to another.
Here's a more detailed breakdown:
-
Direct Contact: The most common way children get lice is through direct head-to-head contact. This often happens during:
- Playing games
- Sports activities
- Slumber parties
- Playdates, both indoors and outdoors
-
Sharing Personal Items (Less Common): While less frequent, lice can also spread by sharing personal items that come into contact with the head, such as:
- Hats
- Hairbrushes
- Hair accessories (headbands, ribbons, etc.)
- Towels
It's important to note that lice cannot jump or fly. They can only crawl. This is why direct contact is the primary means of transmission. Also, having lice is not a sign of poor hygiene. Anyone can get lice, regardless of how often they bathe or wash their hair.
