Can children with masks be harmed to protect themselves from COVID?
No, there is no scientific evidence to show that masks cause harm to children’s health despite baseless claims suggesting otherwise.
Claims are circulating on social media and elsewhere in the same way that virus outbreaks are hitting many reopened American schools, especially those without a mask warrant.
Among the unfounded arguments: masks can promote germs if they get wet or cause unhealthy carbon dioxide levels. But experts say washing masks routinely keeps them clean and safe.
Some argue that young children lack important visual and social cues that enhance learning and development when their peers and teachers wear masks. But others point out that children with visual or hearing disabilities learn to adapt and that other children can too.
“We don’t know for sure that masks have no developmental effects, but we do know that there are adverse effects if you don’t try to stop transmission,” said Dr. Emily Levy, an expert in critical care and infection control in Mayo. Children’s Clinic Center.
There is clear evidence that they masked children in schools that may reduce the transmission of COVID-19 to other children and adults.
In 166 schools in Maricopa County, Arizona, COVID-19 outbreaks are twice as common in those without mask warrants, said Dr. Rebecca Sunenshine, medical director of the county’s public health department.
Studies of school districts in other states, including North Carolina, have also found that masking can significantly reduce COVID-19 transmission rates, especially when combined with physical distancing and other preventative measures.
“One thing we know about prevention, about infection control, is that there isn’t a single intervention that wins the day,” said Dr. Joshua Schaffzin, director of infection prevention and control at Children’s Hospital. Cincinnati.
But he noted that there is a lot of evidence that masking is a key component in making schools safer.
To prevent skin irritation, doctors suggest washing your masks regularly and making sure they fit properly. and collection masks made of soft, breathable fabric.
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The AP is answering your questions about the coronavirus in this series. Send them to: [email protected]. Read more here:
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