How does head lice get transferred from person to person?

Question

Okay so I sit next to this girl who I'm almost positive has lice because I've already seen 2 white lice looking things fall out of her hair and on to her shoulder on two seperate occasions. I know it's gross... I don't want to get lice because I am a really clean person and I've never had it and I think it's gross... Please Help!

EDIT: I know that it's not dandruff because they have antennae.. OMG that's so gross. but yah they move... do you think they are just random bugs like from outside? She does hang out under a tree...

Answer 1

Head lice gets transferred by contact. The adult lice can also jump. Most head lice infestations occur with young children who "share" hats, combs, etc. I have never seen adult lice, since I think they move around to hide in the hair and are pretty fast. However, the eggs cases, called nits, can be seen by combing through the hair, since they are attached to the base of the hair, close to the scalp.
If you catch head lice you have to wash you hair with a special shampoo (ask at the drug store) and WASH in hot water all bedding, clothes that you might have touched your head to. Stuffed animals have to be dealt with by putting in air tight plastic bags and left for a while, until the lice and nits die. Uphostered furniture also has to be treated.
Interestingly, body lice is a different species from head lice.
Maybe you can have your seat changed and then ask a knowledgeable person to check through your hair.
When my children were in kindergarten one of the parents was the designated "lice inspector". If there is a school nurse that person would know what to look for.

Answer 2

This is one of the reasons I like to go to the first matinee of the day at theaters--so I wont get a seat just vacated by a lice person. ick! Lice do not live that long without a host person and you generally have to have a head to head contact or hairbrushes and stuff. If you suspect--stay away from her but, don't hurt her feelings doing it. Does she scratch all the time because they itch.

Answer 3

First - lice aren't white, they're grey/brown. What you're seeing is probably dandruff. There is stuff you can get at the chemist that helps to repel lice if you use it regularly. Lice spread by walking from head to head, they can't fly or jump. If you are at school with this girl then you could maybe talk to your teacher about it (discreetly).

Answer 4

If you are in school, I would mention this to the school nurse. To avoid getting head lice, don't try on hats in stores. Lice can be transferred from coats hanging close together in a coat room,too. Good luck. Maybe you could get your seat changed.

Answer 5

lice are the equivilant to fleas on dogs
if you are a fit host they will colonize your head
buy a bottle of medicated special shampoo and use it
if your concerned for her offer her some special shampoo to use

don't share hair brushes or comb's with this person or you'll shurely have lice

also talk to the school nurse about this person

Answer 6

the head lice can live in the pool

Answer 7

lice can jump. don't share combs, brushes, hair accessories with her. i wouldn't even share a sweater with her. my advice, move your seat...far away. ewww.

Answer 8

i believe they can jump and if she's close enough, it could just crawl onto someone else's. it also attaches itself to hairs that are left in combs and brushes which is why they say to never share combs, brushes, etc.

Answer 9

yeah. that is gross. don't share hair brushes. ummm try not to get super close to her or something. good luck with that one.

Answer 10

if you sit really close theyll jump high they also transferred by a brush,hat,swimming in the same pool,also if she is always scratching her head