Children and Masks: You must know these things during (COVID-19)!

Do you remember when the (COVID-19) pandemic hit? Almost everyone went out wearing masks. It was like a part of our lives, right? These masks helped us avoid not only (COVID-19), but also many other respiratory illnesses like the flu, cold, and (RSV). So, today we will talk about some things you need to know about these children and the use of masks.

How can a mask help us?

Okay, now let's see how this mask protects us. Simply put , when we talk, breathe, laugh, cough, and sneeze, small droplets of water are released from our mouths and noses. These droplets can contain the virus that causes the disease. So, if you have a properly fitted mask, these virus-containing droplets are largely stopped from being released. That means you are less likely to spread the disease to someone else.

Not only that, but wearing a mask also reduces your risk of getting sick. This is because it prevents virus droplets from other people from entering your nose and mouth. Another thing is that we often touch our faces, mouths, and noses. If we have germs on our hands, we can also get sick. When you wear a mask, you also touch your face a little less. That's also a form of protection. Very simple, right?

Who needs to wear a mask and when?

Now in many countries, for example in the United States, it is not mandatory for healthy people, those who have not been exposed to COVID-19, to wear masks in public places. However, that does not mean that the importance of masks has decreased. There are still some situations where wearing a mask is a moral imperative.

Just think, if someone has COVID-19, or has been around someone who has COVID-19, they should definitely wear a mask to prevent spreading the disease to others. That is our responsibility.

Apart from that, it is also wise to wear a mask in these situations, especially when outside the home, in crowded places:

• If the number of COVID-19 patients in the area where you live is high , or if the number of people being hospitalized is high.
• If your immune system is weak (meaning your body's ability to fight off illness is reduced) or you have a chronic medical condition.
• If you have someone in your home who has a weakened immune system (for example, an elderly person, someone with other illnesses, a small baby), it can be more severe for them if they get COVID-19.
• If you are traveling long distances , such as on a bus or train, the risk is higher because people from different regions are congregating together. Also, a mask is important because you will be in crowded places with little ventilation.

The advice on wearing these masks may change from time to time, depending on the spread of COVID-19 in each region. So, it's good to be careful about that too.

Who should not wear a mask?

This is a very simple matter. It is not recommended to put a mask on a baby under the age of two . It can cause breathing difficulties for them. Also, if someone cannot remove the mask on their own (for example, the elderly with certain disabilities, children with special needs), it is not recommended to put a mask on them either.

Now some parents are wondering, 'Will it be difficult for our child to breathe if we put a mask on? Will this affect their learning and development?' Don't worry. There has been a lot of research on this. Almost all of it has found that it is completely safe for children over the age of two to wear a mask, even if they have any other health conditions.

The mask does not reduce the amount of oxygen that goes into the child's lungs. Also, it has now been clearly established that the mask does not harm the child's learning or development. So don't worry about it, okay?

What are the best types of masks for babies?

We need to be a little careful when choosing a mask for children. Not all masks are the same. For best results, the mask should look like this:

• It should be a good barrier against germs: The mask should have several layers. Those masks with vents are not good, because they can let germs out. Cloth masks have become very popular. They are better than nothing. However, they do not seem to block germs as well as surgical masks, that is, the disposable masks that we doctors use, which we use once and throw away. The best ones at blocking germs are called 'Respirators'. These are properly tested and certified to meet high filtration standards. You can find these with names like `(KN95)` or `(KF94)`. These may be a little more expensive, but they are more protective.

• It should fit snugly: The mask should cover both the nose and mouth well. There should be no gaps on either side. It is very important to get a size that is right for children and fits their face. Wearing a mask that is too big will not provide adequate protection.

• Comfortable: This is very important, especially for little ones. If they want to wear it, it has to be comfortable. They won't want to wear a mask that is itchy or painful. If you find it difficult to put on a ``respirator'', try a surgical mask. Or you can put a cloth mask over a surgical mask for a little more protection. Remember, any mask that your child can wear comfortably is better than no mask at all.

If you use cloth masks, wash them thoroughly with soap and water regularly . Disposable masks should be used once and then discarded. Respirator masks can usually be used several times, until they become dirty or no longer fit properly. Store them in a paper bag when not in use. Do not store them in a plastic bag, as this can trap moisture.

How to get kids used to wearing masks?

Getting our little ones to wear masks can sometimes be a challenge. That's true. But here are a few tips that will help you:

• Teach them how to put on and take off the mask properly: Gently remind them that both their nose and mouth should be covered by the mask at all times. When handling the mask, tell them to only touch the ear loops or ties. This will prevent them from touching the front of the mask, which is the side where germs can get into it.
• Be a role model: If you wear the mask correctly, your child is more likely to imitate you.
• Make it fun, do something special for them: Nowadays, there are colorful, fancy masks available in stores. Find masks with their favorite cartoon characters, movie heroes, funny faces, and animals. That way, when they like something, it's easy for them to make wearing the mask a regular part of their daily routine. Imagine, if you bought your daughter a mask with her favorite princess on it, how excited would she be to wear it? Or maybe your son has a favorite superhero on it?
• Be patient: Your child may not want to wear the mask right away. Get used to it gradually. Start with a few minutes, then gradually increase the time.

With small things like this, we can encourage them to wear masks.

So, what are the most important things we need to remember?

Okay, from what we've talked about, you should have understood a lot about children and the use of masks. In short:

• Masks are a good weapon to protect against respiratory diseases like COVID-19 .
• Masks are safe for babies under two years of age, except for those who cannot remove them on their own. It does not affect children's oxygen levels or learning.
• When choosing a mask for children, choose one that blocks germs well, fits well, and is comfortable for them . A `(Respirator)` mask, such as `(KN95)` or `(KF94)`, provides the best protection.
• Make it a fun experience for little ones to practice putting on a mask.
• It is still wise to wear a mask in some situations, especially in crowded places, during times of high disease activity, and in places where people with weakened immune systems are present .

Remember, the safety of our little ones is our top priority. So, if something as small as this can save them from a lot of trouble, that's a big deal, right? If you have any more questions about this, ask a doctor or a family health worker.

` Children's health, Covid-19, Mask, Respiratory disease, Safety, Children, KN95