Say the word “lice” and you immediately get the heebie-jeebies. It's a natural reaction—after all, the thought of tiny critters living in your hair and drinking your blood is not an appealing one. Still, head lice is a common childhood issue. According to the American Academy of Pediatrics (AAP) there are six to 12 million infestations every year, particularly with kids ages three to twelve. “The most important thing to remember is that a case of head lice is a hassle, but it isn't a disease, nor does it cause disease,” says Sue Will, a school nurse in St. Paul, MN [and president of the National Association of School Nurses]. “Try not to get over-anxious. Treat it and move on.” Here's how to prevent, recognize and treat head lice.

How to avoid head lice

Simply put, you can do everything right and your family could still end up with lice. And of course, head lice have nothing to do with hygiene or income level; anyone can get them. The most common route of transmission is head to head contact, such as two kids bending over the same coloring book. Because lice can't live long off the scalp, it's much harder, but not impossible, for lice to be spread by sharing hats, brushes, hair accessories and combs. Still, it's a good idea not to share these items.