If a person has lice, how not to get infected? - briefly
Do not share hats, combs, pillows, or hair accessories with the infested individual, and launder personal items at high temperature or isolate them. Treat the affected person with an approved pediculicide and thoroughly clean the surrounding environment to remove any remaining nits.
If a person has lice, how not to get infected? - in detail
When a person is infested with head lice, avoiding spread requires immediate, systematic actions. First, isolate personal items that may harbor insects: hats, scarves, hair accessories, pillowcases, and towels. Wash these in hot water (minimum 130 °F/54 °C) and dry on high heat for at least 20 minutes. Items that cannot be laundered should be sealed in a plastic bag for two weeks, the period needed for lice to die without a host.
Second, treat the infested individual promptly. Apply a pediculicide approved by health authorities according to the product label, ensuring thorough coverage of the scalp and hair shafts. After the recommended exposure time, rinse completely and repeat the treatment after 7–10 days to eliminate newly hatched nymphs. Comb the hair with a fine-toothed lice comb while wet; this mechanically removes live lice and eggs. Perform combing at least twice daily for a week, cleaning the comb with hot, soapy water after each pass.
Third, limit close head-to-head contact in the household and among peers. Encourage children to keep hair tied back or cut short during an outbreak, and discourage sharing of personal grooming tools such as combs, brushes, and hair clips. Regularly inspect all family members, especially children, for live insects or viable eggs; early detection prevents further transmission.
Fourth, maintain a clean environment. Vacuum carpets, upholstered furniture, and car seats thoroughly, focusing on areas where heads may rest. Empty vacuum bags or clean canisters immediately after use. For non-washable surfaces, apply a dry cleaning spray labeled for lice control, following safety instructions.
Finally, educate everyone involved about the life cycle of lice: eggs hatch in about 7 days, nymphs mature within another 7 days, and adults can lay up to 10 eggs per day. Understanding this timeline guides the timing of repeat treatments and inspections, reducing the chance of re‑infestation. By combining prompt medical treatment, rigorous hygiene of personal and household items, avoidance of direct contact, and vigilant monitoring, the risk of acquiring lice from an infected individual can be effectively eliminated.