Mask Use in Children
One of the measures taken to slow down or completely prevent the spread of the coronavirus epidemic is the use of masks. The use of masks, especially in closed areas, has seriously slowed the spread of the pandemic together with the social distance rule. However, there are still some question marks regarding the use of masks, especially in children. So, should children wear masks? What should be considered when using masks in children? Here are some answers...
Should Children Wear Masks?
The World Health Organization (WHO) recommends the use of masks in children. The use of masks is extremely important for children aged two and over, both to prevent the spread of coronavirus and to reduce the risk of contracting this disease. The use of masks by children at risk of carrying the virus is particularly recommended by health authorities. However, it is recommended that young children not be left alone when wearing masks.
What Should Be Considered When Using Masks in Children?
The use of masks in children is recommended for children aged 2 and over. It is even emphasized that children should be used under the same conditions as adults without any discrimination. However, at the point of children's use of masks, some problems may arise in terms of both vitality and hygiene. For this reason, some points should be noted:
- Children should thoroughly clean their hands before using the mask.
- Masks suitable for the child's face line and size should be preferred.
- Children’s masks should have features to cover the chin, mouth and nose.
- Necessary training should be given on putting on and taking off the mask.
- The awareness that the mask is one-time must be placed.
- It should be especially explained that the mask should not be changed with friends.
Facilitating the use of masks in children
The impact of the coronavirus (Covid-19) pandemic continues in the world. The obligation to use masks still continues. The simplest measure after vaccination against the Covid-19 virus is protective coronavirus masks. Adult individuals can show the necessary sensitivity about the use of masks; however, children may not have enough awareness about the use of masks. So, how can children's use of masks be facilitated?
It is mandatory to wear a mask to protect against coronavirus disease. The mask plays a key role in reducing the speed of the pandemic. It is important for children to use masks to prevent contact and spread of the virus, especially in unvaccinated children. Children are less at risk of contracting the disease; However, it is important for public health to raise awareness of using masks to children who may be virus carriers. However, the use of masks for children is not as easy as it seems!
What to know about the Omicron variant
The Omicron (Nu) variant, described by the World Health Organization (WHO) as "worrying", continues to be seen in many countries so far. As the coronavirus pandemic approaches its second year, the new variant announced by the World Health Organization is causing concern all over the world. Things to know about the Omicron variant, which has been found to have more than 30 mutations;
It has many mutations
The World Health Organization (WHO) has designated B.1.1.529 as an alarming variant called "Omicron". WHO announced that variant B.1.1.529 was first reported on 24 November 2021 from South Africa. A sharp increase in infections has been observed in recent weeks, coinciding with the detection of the B.1.1.529 variant. The first known confirmed B.1.1.529 infection was detected in a sample collected on November 9, 2021.
This variant has an alarmingly large number of mutations. Preliminary evidence suggests an increased risk of re-infection with this variant compared to other variants of concern. It was determined that the number of cases of this variant increased in almost all cities in South Africa. The SARS-CoV-2 PCR test method, which is still used, can also detect this variant.
Mask, distance, hygiene are important
It is desirable to continue surveillance and sequencing studies to better understand the SARS-CoV-2 variants circulating in the community. These measures also need to continue to reduce the risks of COVID-19, including proven public health and social measures such as wearing masks, observing hand hygiene and physical distancing, ventilating indoor spaces, avoiding crowded places, and getting vaccinated.
How should a Covid-19 mask be in winter?
Although the impact of the corona virus has decreased all over the world, its spread continues. The Covid-19 vaccine has lifted the restrictions, but the danger is not completely past. The most important protection to be done against the Covid-19 virus, which is transmitted by droplets in public and indoor environments, is to use masks. At this stage, it is necessary to emphasize the importance of masks of the corona virus.
In almost every country in the world, the Covid-19 mask is used as the most effective method against the corona virus. The mask has now become the routine of our lives. So, how should the corona virus mask be in winter? What should be considered when choosing a mask for facial skin health?
Use of Masks According to the Season
There are some points that should be considered in terms of facial skin health in the use of masks according to the seasons. Factors such as the effect of hot weather in the summer, sweating and air pollution are important for the use of masks. Some points should be considered while using masks in terms of skin health in the winter months.
The use of masks can have negative effects on the skin texture. Because the mask increases the formation of acne and acne. In order to reduce and prevent acne problems, masks compatible with the skin texture should be used. People who have to use masks for a long time, especially in the summer months, should prefer masks that meet the quality standards at the maximum level. In winter, the mask should be chosen considering the negative effects of dry and cold weather.
Skin Damages of Wrong Mask Selection
The use of face masks is a situation caused by the corona virus pandemic. A vaccine and medication that provides 100% protection against Covid-19 has not been developed yet. For this reason, the obligation to wear masks continues. However, the masks used in the last few years can cause some skin problems. Wrong choice of mask increases these problems.