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Head Lice

According to the Canadian Paediatric Society, children with head lice should be treated and then attend school or child care as usual. ‘No-nit’ policies that keep children with head lice or nits after treatment away from school are not necessary.

Although head lice are a nuisance, they do not carry disease and therefore are not considered a health hazard. The Health Unit can provide information on head lice to educators and parents/caregivers. Parents/caregivers should check their child’s head regularly for head lice and nits in order to start treatment as soon as possible. Check out this resource for more information on head lice, how they spread, what to look for, and how to treat it.

Specific head lice treatment products may be covered under OHIP+ with a prescription from a health care provider. For children 24 years and under who are not covered under a private drug plan, OHIP+ covers the cost of certain prescription drugs. Seek assessment from a health care provider.

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