Experts explain why KN95 masks are safe and effective for children

Protecting your child is a parent’s number one job, especially during the pandemic.

Now that some masking rules have been relaxed since the COVID-19 vaccine rolled out, some are wondering if those who haven’t been vaccinated should still mask themselves.

Here, experts respond to all the latest updates for COVID-19 safety as it relates to children.

Can Children Get COVID-19?

The simple answer is yes. Those 11 and under are still not eligible for the coronavirus vaccine, so they are still vulnerable to catching and transmitting the virus – even if they don’t show symptoms.

“Children can get the coronavirus,” Dr. Julie Boom, co-chair of the COVID-19 vaccine working group at Texas Children’s Hospital, told The Post. “We must not minimize the risk of COVID for children. We know there have been millions of children hospitalized with COVID and luckily they have lower death rates than our senior population, but there are still hundreds of children who have died from COVID and we would never want to allow a child to be in danger.

Dr Anthony Fauci agrees when it comes to masking unvaccinated children, especially when they are not in the fresh air and when playing with other children.

“Children do [need a mask] when they are out and about playing with their friends ”, Fauci told CNN at a press conference on May 13.

Many also believed that COVID was only a risk to the elderly and immunocompromised population. This is simply not true because now children, up to age 17, make up about 20% of all people currently with COVID, according to a May 12 study. Research shows that we still cannot predict which people, children and others, will have long-term health effects after being diagnosed.

“Whether they are very sick or dying, it is also important to point out that children can experience some of the long term effects that we see with COVID, such as heart problems and the immunological disease called MIS-C,” explained the Dr Boom, referring to the condition known as multisystem inflammatory syndrome in children. “So by wearing a mask you can prevent your child from getting seriously ill or having these long term effects.”

When should my child wear a mask?

Now that fall is in full swing, more and more kids will be eager to take in-person classes and hang out with friends. While getting them ready to go, a mask is still a necessity, and it might be time to stock up on smaller masks for kids, as they are known to be rare.

“Children should be masked when they are in groups of all kinds. The CDC suggests very clearly that if they are going to camp this summer, in group situations, they should wear a mask, ”Dr. Boom reminds us. “If they get on an airplane or in other groups, they should wear a mask.”

With the start of the school year already upon us and the travel season resuming over the holidays, you may want to purchase some new masks for you and the kids. Many places such as airlines, public transportation, and some restaurants still require masks, and you don’t want to be caught without one when trying to catch your first flight since the pandemic began.

What type of mask should my children wear?

Since children’s faces are smaller than those of the average adult, a standard mask is not the best fit for your child. The purpose of the mask is to cover your nose and mouth so that no particles can enter or escape your body to infect others, which is why having a properly fitted mask is the key to staying safe and secure. in good health.

“Fit is the most important aspect of masks,” said Umer Khan, MD, a board-certified, hospital-based physician in internal medicine with the Lehigh Valley Health Network in Pennsylvania. “If the fit is not appropriate, then the mask is largely unnecessary.”

As for the type of mask, it is always best to be careful and wear a mask with the most protection – whether it is a multi-layer mask or a KN95 or N95, as long as it is designed for the smallest face of a child. Even if a mask is labeled as one of the above types, it is also recommended that you review the manufacturer’s website to make sure it meets all safety requirements.

“If they’re in a crowded environment, let’s say a school bus especially if the windows aren’t all open, or really any nearby environment where you’re not sure if everyone is vaccinated, it’s definitely safer for them. children to have the safest mask, and anything that offers the most protection is of course preferred, ”explained Dr. Khan.

Here are two great options, including a KN95 and a three-layer mask, both of which offer the type of maximum protection recommended by Dr. Khan. Since both are affordable and individually wrapped, they are also easy to have on hand and ready to take and take out throughout the school year.

These KN95 masks offer the same protection as their larger adult counterparts, but are specially designed for smaller faces.

“Wearing a mask is the best way to protect them from someone who may have COVID around them. The best thing a parent can do is put a mask on their child, ”said Dr Boom.

The masks offer five layers of protection against dust, debris and viral particles in the air, with adjustable earrings, a nose bridge and a smaller liner overall to better fit your nose and mouth. tiny. They are individually wrapped, perfect to send out on a play date or packaged in your bag for summer travel.

A tri-fold option is also a safe bet to use for kids, especially since this one was designed for smaller faces.

“A mask has to fit properly. It should fit snugly and there should be no space around the mask, ”Dr Boom said. “The CDC supports the use of multi-layered fabric masks or disposable masks, and they recommend that you use one that has something to mold around the bridge of your nose and also tuck any extra material over. the sides. “

If any mask is better than no mask, it is highly recommended that you swap a fabric cover for something more protective, like these blue and black medical masks at the WellBefore site, both sold individually wrapped for one. transport as hygienic as possible. They come with adjustable earrings and a nose bridge that sits securely on the nose and mouth and can be ordered in quantities as small as 10 masks for $ 0.29 each.

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Specially designed for small faces, these pink and blue disposable masks are perfect to have on hand for school, play and everyday activities.

Sold on the Armbrust website, the masks are made with N95 level filtration, actually filtering out around 99.2% of bacteria particles. They are designed, developed and produced here in the United States at a facility in Texas, ensuring that every part of the process has been closely monitored, tested and hygienic from start to finish.

The pink and blue masks come in packs of 50 for $ 29.90, 200 for $ 119.60 or 2,000 masks for $ 975. However, for those who choose to subscribe, save 30% on your order and have peace of mind knowing you won’t run out of masks when it matters most.