Do not wait for the start of the school year to take anti-lice measures, comb and special shampoo. The peak of epidemics often occurs at the end of August, according to a study by Vincent Auvigne, epidemiologist, carried out in partnership with Celtipharm.
- It turns out that the peak of lice epidemics occurs at the end of summer, before the start of the school year.
- Lice are very contagious and are sometimes difficult to eliminate.
- There are different ways to get rid of them but also certain precautions to prevent their arrival.
Lice are a well-known nightmare for all parents. This hair parasite’s favorite playground is children’s heads. Lice are sometimes difficult to eradicate, are very contagious and epidemics occur every year. However, and contrary to popular belief, epidemics begin during the summer rather than at the start of the school year, according to a study by Vincent Auvigne in collaboration with the company Celtipharm.
The peak of the epidemic before the start of the school year
The epidemiologist has listed the sales of anti-lice products in 4,600 French pharmacies. He observed that sales increased especially in the summer. Every year, the epidemic begins at the end of June and the peak of the epidemic generally occurs after the holidays, a week before the start of the school year.
Lice are parasites that cling to hair and hair and feed on human blood. They cannot fly or jump, but are fast enough to move from head to head. The risk areas are mainly linked to summer holidays: swimming pools, colonies, leisure centres, campsites, amusement parks. “There are significant mixings of population in these places, especially during the summer”explains Vincent Auvigne. But the epidemiologist adds that the lack of vigilance of the parents is also in question.
Observe certain precautions
Shampoo, comb, there are several ways to get rid of lice. However, there is no specific preventive treatment. However, certain gestures can help prevent their arrival. Check your children’s heads regularly during the summer holidays and throughout the school year. Explain to them what lice are and how they are spread, and ask them to avoid putting their heads on other children’s heads. Also avoid sharing anything that could come into direct contact with the hair (brush, towel, hat, scarf, hair clips). It is also recommended to tie up long hair to avoid the risk of contamination.
