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True or false: You are very likely to catch head lice by wearing a hat that has been worn by someone with head lice.

There's no evidence that you can catch head lice from clothing, headgear or a pillow.

A louse has a firm grip on the hair, and it needs to be near the scalp for food, shelter, warmth and moisture. It moves away from the scalp only to move to another head. When head lice do fall off the scalp, they do not survive for long. Head lice found on the backs of chairs, on pillows or in hats are either dead or dying and unable to move onto another scalp.¹

Doctors often recommend washing or cleaning your clothes, bed linens and household if you find head lice.² You may want to follow this advice for your own peace of mind. But not all experts advise this. In England, for example, doctors do not recommend washing pillows and clothing.³

See Do I need to treat the household? to learn more.

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This information is for educational use only, and is not a substitute for prompt professional medical advice. Readers should always consult a physician or other professional for advice and treatment. ©BMJ Publishing Group Limited 2008. All rights reserved.