Additionally, according to the CDC, the number of COVID-19 cases and deaths has increased by 50% in the past week, after having been flat for a long time.
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As the surge continues, health officials strongly recommend wearing face masks in crowded indoor spaces to prevent the spread and transmission of the virus.
CDC continues to recommend that children and adults wear masks on public transportation, including trains, planes, and buses.
“good morning americasaid Dr. Elizabeth Murray, A mother of two children and a pediatric emergency physician at Golisano Children’s Hospital in Rochester, New York, again answered parents’ questions about wearing face masks.
1. When and where should children wear masks?
Murray, who is also a spokesperson for the American Academy of Pediatrics, says that in crowded indoor environments, both children and adults should wear face masks whenever possible.
Murray said that without mask mandates, families should make their own best decisions, knowing that each family and individual child is unique.
“It’s so nice and so easy when you can say, ‘You always do this’ or ‘You never do that,’ but it’s really not at that point,” she said. , I want to make sure I’m healthy so I can head off on vacation and see my family, so now’s the time to really take those precautions.”
Murray cited an example from his own family, noting that his 13-year-old eldest daughter can decide for herself when and where a mask helps.
“She said, at her age, making decisions like, ‘I belong to a large group that works closely with a lot of people, so now is the right time to wear a mask.’ I’m sitting in the study room with three other students, but they’re all separated, so I probably don’t need to wear a mask at this point,” Murray said. “She’s also actively involved in a number of extracurricular activities that are really important to her, so she’s more comfortable wearing a mask at school and in large group activities because she wants to stay healthy and participate. Because I want to participate in cross-country competitions and her school play.
Murray, meanwhile, said her 6-year-old daughter has trouble wearing face masks at school, but masks aren’t required.
“We found it [wearing a mask] It’s not something we can do for her because no one else is doing it,” Murray said. If we see any signs of her illness, we try to keep her in her home to prevent the spread of her illness, and in small groups where she’s not very exposed, she’s outdoors. Do activities and other things. ”
2. Did wearing face masks during the COVID-19 pandemic cause the current surge in illness?
According to Murray, wearing masks during the pandemic did not permanently compromise children’s immune systems.
“Masks help reduce the transmission of many common diseases,” Murray said. Now that we’re in the fall and winter when some of the bacteria in the virus start to develop, it makes sense that they’re all back.”
She continued, “There were years when we didn’t see so many children sick.
3. What type of face mask should children wear?
Murray recommends that children wear “high quality” masks that they feel comfortable wearing.
“There are a variety of styles that work equally well, so it’s important to make sure you have a mask that your child likes and fits comfortably on their face.” The resources are there.”
experts say It’s okay to use clips or bands to reduce pressure on the ears when your child is wearing a mask.
One way to check the quality of your child’s mask is to hold it up to the sun. If you can see light through the mask when it’s stretched, it’s not thick enough.
4. From what age can children wear face masks?
5. Should adults wear masks too?
Yes, adults are encouraged to wear face masks in crowded indoor environments, too. said.
6. What else can parents do to protect their children from influenza, respiratory syncytial virus and COVID-19?
Murray said it’s important for children and adults to stay up to date on immunizations.
Children 6 months and older are eligible for influenza and COVID-19 vaccines, with “rare exceptions.” According to the CDCBoth vaccinations are free and widely available at clinics and local pharmacies.
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Murray also said patients and others are encouraged to stay home if they are sick and to keep children out of school and activities if they are showing symptoms of illness.
“I think people have a lot of pressure to go back to work, but still make sure people need to stay home when they’re sick, regardless of what they’re sick with. I have to,” she said.
