Head louse and other common infections in schools: head teachers' use of an information pack.

A descriptive study examined head teachers' use of an information pack about common childhood infections and its usefulness, particularly for head louse infection. The survey covered all 122 schools in one borough in the North West of England. Overall response was 73% and 83.3% of head teachers considered the pack helpful for teachers and parents. The study highlights schools' wish for information and help with common infections, especially head louse infections, from the public health and community health services. The authors recommend providing such information regularly each term or year for teachers and parents, putting head louse infection in context with other common childhood infections. Regular education sessions are recommended for head teachers and community health professionals involved with head louse infections. These measures should help ensure a consistent, evidence-based and up-to-date approach.