Report: Lice shouldn't keep kids out of school

Credit: The Associated Press

A report by the American Academy of Pediatrics says no healthy child should be excluded from or miss school because of head lice.

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Should students who have head lice be allowed in school?

Yes

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By: NBC 10 News | NBC 10
Published: July 27, 2010

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Having head lice is no excuse to skip school.

That's the latest word from the American Academy of Pediatrics.

The doctor's organization has issued a revised clinical report saying no healthy child should be excluded from or miss school because of head lice. The report also states that no-nit policies for returning to school should be abandoned. According to the report nits can remain on the hair for months but do not indicate an active infestation.

Doctors said head lice are not a health hazard, and they are not a sign of poor hygiene. The most common symptom of head lice is itching, especially behind the ears or at the back of the neck.