Masks for children during the Covid-19 pandemic

The masks are still a simple but powerful tool to protect against COVID-19, especially for children who still surveyed small to receive the vaccine.

Keep reading to get answers to some frequent questions about masks and children during the Covid-19 pandemic.

Why do we still need to wear facial masks?

The highly contagious variants delta and omicron have caused an increase in cases of COVID-19.To date, more than 8 million cases of COVID-19 have been reported in American children (in English).

For that reason, the use of masks remains so important, especially for children who have not received the vaccine.Well-used masks reduce the possibility of spreading the SARS-COV-2, the virus caused by COVID-19.

Should children wear masks?

Yes, all children over 2 years old, including most children with special health conditions, can use facial masks safely, except in rare exceptions.

However, children under 2 should not use a mask due to the risk of suffocation.In addition, every person who is unconscious or that a facial cover cannot be removed by himself should not use it.

When should children use masks?

Children and young people over two years old are strongly recommended to use a facial mask that are well in public spaces, regardless of vaccination status.When his son uses a facial mask, he protects himself and others, especially if he is not vaccinated.

In addition, the universal mandate for the use of masks must continue in all K-12 schools, regardless of the location, for all students, teachers, staff and visitors.The same is supported for most sports inside and outdoors, with close contact (unless your child has certain medical or development conditions, as recommended by your doctor).

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Everyone should also continue using facial masks when traveling.This includes traveling on a school bus, plane, train or another form of public transport, and at the airport or station.

If you have a medically fragile child or an adult at risk in your home, you may want to consider any person at home who is not completely vaccinated to use masks at home to help protect them.It is also recommended to use a mask inside their home if someone with whom he lives is sick with symptoms of COVID-19 or have tested positive for the test.

How to help my son to get used to using a mask?

It is understood that at first you can scare children to use facial masks.Next, we offer some ideas to help make them more comfortable:

For children under 3 years, it is better to answer their questions with a simple language that can understand.If you ask why people use masks, explain that sometimes it is necessary for people to use them when they are sick, and sometimes people use them to avoid getting sick.

With children over 3 years, try to focus on germs.Explain that germs are typical of each body.Some germs are good and others are bad.Bads can get sick.Since we cannot always determine which are good or bad, facial masks can help us keep these germs outside our body.

The good news is that children have become accustomed to masks and they are less likely to feel strange when using them.The use of masks has quickly become the "new normality" for all of us.

And in the case of children with special health needs?

It is recommended that children with weakened immune systems or have health problems that put them at high risk of contracting infections use a N95 mask to protect themselves.Those with medical conditions that interfere with cognitive or pulmonary function may have difficulty tolerate a mask.For these children, special precautions may be needed.Families are encouraged to talk about masks and appropriate precautions with their pediatrician.

Is there a "correct way" to use the face mask?

Yeah.Place the mask on the nose and mouth and stim it from one ear to the other.It must be adjusted but comfortably against the two sides of the face and be supported with strips or tapes or elastic hooks that are held behind the ears.Remember to wash your hands before and after using it and avoid touching it once you have it on your face.When you return home, avoid touching the front of the cover by removing it from the back.

Wash the fabric masks after each use.

Note: The masks should not be used when eating or drinking.In addition, make sure that the mask does not represent a risk of self -systeming for young children.

What kind of mask does it work best?

Facial masks with several layers of fabric or disposable masks of surgical style work for most people.Try to find the right size to be well to your child's face.Adult masks generally measure 6x12 inches (15x30 cm), and even a 5x10 -inch children (13x25cm) mask can be too large for young children.

How can parents teach a small child not to play or manipulate the tapping?

Although it can be very difficult for a small child not playing or playing with his mask, as the use of masks becomes routine and is reinforced by adults and colleagues, they will learn to follow the instructions.Just as children know that they should wear bicycle hull.

How do parents protect babies who are very small to use masks?

The most effective way is to urge people who are not part of their home and who have close contact with their baby to be empty completely against COVID, including reinforcement doses, and use facial masks.In addition, physical distancing, tests, hand washing and other security measures can reduce the risk of contracting COVID-19.

Remember:

Together with vaccination and reinforcement doses against COVID-19, the use of masks in public spaces and other security measures such as physical distancing, tests and hand washing, are key to reducing infection and spread of theSARS-COV-2.If you have any concerns about your child's health, talk to your pediatrician.

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