Coronavirus – Pediatric Pulmonary Society: What It Says About Wearing Face Masks At School – Newsbomb – News

Coronavirus, according to the Pediatric Pulmonary Society working group, is a highly contagious virus that can cause severe, often fatal, lung and systemic disease (COVID-19) in people with underlying illnesses or in the elderly.

In children, the illness is usually mild, with a runny nose, sore throat, fever, cough, abdominal pain, or diarrhea. Because the above symptoms are not specific and occur in most viral infections in childhood, the diagnosis of COVID-19 based on the clinical picture is extremely difficult.

Due to the mildness of the symptoms, children can carry the virus and transmit it to their family environment. In other words, children are the “Trojan horse” with which the coronavirus can enter any home and infect the family.

Doctors also provide all the useful advice parents need to educate their children to use the mask safely at school, as a necessary means to protect the student community and society as a whole from the coronavirus pandemic. .

The recognized precautionary measures:

1. Meticulous hand hygiene and avoid contact with eyes, nose and mouth.

2. Adequate ventilation of spaces.

3. Keep a distance (at least 1.5 meters) between us.

4. Wear a mask.

Based on the above, children when they are in school:

• It is very difficult to keep your hands clean.
• It is difficult to live in a well ventilated area, especially in cold winter.
• It is difficult to maintain a safe distance.

That is why they have to wear a mask.

recommendations

• Wearing a mask is essential during the lesson.
• The use of a mask is optional during rest, it is not used in the gym, as long as it is done outdoors and as long as the safety distance is maintained.
• The role of teachers is very important and consists of:

– Daily reminder, for due caution (1-4).

– Surveillance to maintain a safe distance.

– Encourage compliance in accordance with EODY’s instructions.

• The use of a “face shield” as an alternative is not recommended.
• To date, there is no scientific data to justify issuing a medical opinion on the non-use of the mask in children with normal psychomotor development.

Frequent questions

What mask is suitable for school?

Cloth masks are sufficient for school use. However, its proper use is more important. The masks should fit well covering the child’s nose, mouth, and chin. Parents can try the mask that best suits their child.

How will I train the child and how will I ensure that his mask remains in good condition?

• It is recommended that each child bring at least TWO masks to school, each in its own case (for example, a simple plastic bag).
• Before using the mask, wash your hands THOROUGH for at least 20 seconds with soap and water or an antiseptic.
• We hold the mask by the cords and apply it well to the face. Then avoid holding the mask with your hands, exposing the nose or lowering it towards the jaw.
• Avoid holding the mask by the front surface.
• Avoid resting the mask on shared surfaces.

Do children with asthma belong to vulnerable groups? Do they have to wear some other kind of mask or nothing?

Children with asthma who are well controlled with medications do not belong to groups vulnerable to severe coronavirus disease, according to current data. Wearing a mask for these children is completely safe, as it is for their classmates. It generally protects them from respiratory viruses that can trigger an asthma attack. Children with severe, insufficiently controlled asthma, which in our country are very few, are probably at greater risk of suffering from serious diseases. The use of the mask is not only not contraindicated, but it is necessary for the best protection of these children.

Can the use of the mask cause difficulty in breathing or affect the development of the lungs of the child?

No, to date there is no scientific evidence to support this.

Does the mask prevent the exhalation of carbon dioxide?

No. Exhaled carbon molecules are so small that they cannot be trapped in a mask. It is recalled that many health professionals, such as surgery doctors, but also dentists, use the masks many hours a day and for many years, without any effect on their health.

Can a child wear a face shield instead of a mask?

Face shields are primarily used to protect the eyes from contaminated drops. They have been shown to provide some protection that is inferior to wearing a mask, as droplets can pass through the side of the shield, thus not protecting the child or those around her.

What are the vulnerable groups of children that need special attention?

Vulnerable groups include children with:

1. Severe uncontrolled asthma

2. Cystic fibrosis

3. Chronic interstitial lung diseases

4. Tracheostomy or with mechanical breathing support

5. History of severe immunosuppression (chemotherapy, hematopoietic cell or solid organ transplant)

6. Treatment with biological agents, such as children with rheumatic diseases or inflammatory bowel disease.

7. Diabetes

8. Mediterranean anemia

Especially for the vulnerable children mentioned above, surgical masks or high protection masks (eg FFP2 or N95) are preferred over plain cloth ones.

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