Parents might think that lice won’t thrive and spread during the colder months, but that’s just another myth about lice. With kids back at school and especially with holiday travel, colder weather months are actually times with the highest amount of lice outbreaks.

 While lice nits won’t hatch when it is below room temperature, they survive based on the body temperature of a human – not the temperature outside. But there are precautions you can take to avoid getting and spreading lice. Here are some prevention tips and what to do if you do become infested with lice:

 Prepare for back to school season

Make sure to be in touch with your child’s teachers and school administrators if you suspect an outbreak may be happening at school.

 Avoid sharing winter attire

It may be tempting to let your kids share scarves and hats during the winter, but this is one of the most notorious ways that lice are spread. If you think that you or your child has lice, be sure to wash all of your attire thoroughly, especially winter accessories. Also, check out the blog about what to do in your home after a lice outbreak.

 Be aware when traveling

With families traveling during the holidays, it’s important to take precautions to prevent a lice outbreak. Make sure to read hotel reviews before booking, use your own personal hygiene tools and get screened for lice at the first sign of any lice symptoms.