Can Head Lice Give You a Fever?
WouterHead lice are highly contagious, so it is important to wash your clothes regularly and avoid sharing personal items with other people. You should also cover furniture with a plastic drop cloth to prevent the spread of lice. You should try to avoid head-to-head contact with children, but this may not always be possible. If you’re unsure of whether your child may have lice, ask your health care provider for a lice inspection. Lice can grow up to the size of a sesame seed and are tan to gray-white in color.
If you suspect your child may have head lice, check their hair and clothing as soon as possible. There are many products available over the counter that can kill the bugs. You can use shampoos, oils, and creams. However, if you are unsure about how to properly treat your child, see your healthcare provider as soon as possible.
Besides your scalp, you should also check other parts of your body for signs of head lice. The nape of your neck and ears are also common sites of infection. This means that lice may have spread to these places and triggered your immune system. This, in turn, could trigger a fever and other symptoms.
The most common symptom of head lice is severe itching. These symptoms usually appear two to three weeks after you have been infected. However, they can take as long as three weeks to appear. In some cases, you may notice the first signs of lice within a few days of exposure. If you think you’re suffering from head lice, you should see your doctor as soon as possible. The best treatment for head lice is to avoid any head-to-head contact and to avoid interacting with others with infested items.
