- The AAP & the CDC recommend that children over 2 years old wear a mask in school & indoors in public spaces. This includes school, except when they are eating.
- The most effective mask is one your child will actually wear. You want one that fits them properly. There are 3 types: cloth, surgical, & KN95 masks.
- In terms of blocking incoming viruses, all masks reduce inhalation of virus-laden particles. The the N95 masks block the most.
- All masks provide “source control.” This means that they limit the amount of virus that is produced by an infected person.⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- For children, either a double-layered cloth mask or a surgical mask offers the best balance between “wearability” & protection. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
- There are no safety or efficacy data for children wearing the KN95s & KF94s. Some are made that appear to fit children but these are not tested or regulated by any US healthcare or governmental agency.
- The best masks should fit snugly against the sides of your child’s face & leave no gaps.
- The mask should have two or more layers of washable, breathable fabric.
- The mask should completely cover their nose & mouth.
- It is best if the mask has a nose wire to prevent air from leaking out of the top of the mask. ⠀⠀⠀⠀⠀
Good luck coaxing your child to wear a mask all day. Some kids respond to the notion of being a “Superhero” (since they all wear masks).
Other children seem to understand that it “protects” them & other children from getting infected.
Kids get dirty. Wash the cloth mask when necessary, or dispose of the surgical one, when it is soiled.
For more info go to: https://www.healthychildren.org/English/health-issues/conditions/COVID-19/Pages/Cloth-Face-Coverings-for-Children-During-COVID-19.aspx
There are many scientific studies to support the use of face masks.
