By Sherri Gordon / Medically reviewed by Sarah Rahal, MD on April 13, 2020
As the United States continues to grapple with how to stop the spread of the novel coronavirus, there has been much debate about the use of masks by the general public—especially with personal protective equipment (PPE) for healthcare workers in short supply.
Previously, the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) said that masks weren't necessary unless someone was symptomatic, meaning they were coughing and sneezing and had a fever. The thinking behind this decision was twofold:
- -First, the CDC was concerned that people would begin hoarding masks that are in short supply and desperately needed by those in the medical field.
- -Second, unless the masks are N-95 respirators, they don't necessarily prevent people from getting the coronavirus, and they feared wearing them would give people a false sense of security. Masks are primarily used to prevent additional spread from infected people.
However, in light of several studies indicating that the coronavirus can be spread by people, even children, who are asymptomatic or pre-symptomatic, the CDC is recommending that people begin wearing masks in public, especially in areas where social distancing measures are hard to maintain. Examples might include while grocery shopping or picking up medications from pharmacies. Masks also are highly encouraged where there is significant community spread.
During shelter-in-place and stay-at-home orders, the best option is to leave kids at home with another family member rather than taking them out. After all, there is some research indicating that kids can not only become vectors for the disease, but they also are at risk for getting infected. However, when you simply have no choice but to bring your children with you, you need to have a mask on hand.
But how do you get kids to wear the masks, especially if they are younger? Here are some suggestions to make the process go a little smoother. Check out our Kids Face Masks
-Regardless of your child's age, be honest about why masks are important. You don't have to go into a lot of detail, and you should keep it age-appropriate, but be open with your kids about the coronavirus.
-Explain to them that wearing a mask helps keep the people around them safe. Resist the urge to dramatize the situation or to share more information than is needed. Instead, use the concept of wearing a mask as an opportunity to teach altruism and empathy.