Children are likely to return to school almost naturally next fall, although the vaccine for the emerging coronavirus "Covid-19" is not expected until November, so preparations to protect students from infection should begin now, Perhaps the best way to prevent it is to wear a muzzle, which is strongly resisted by children. How can this be overcome?

With the onset of the Corona virus crisis, some did not care about children wearing the muzzle, but with talk about the return of schools and the exit of young people in crowded places, wearing the muzzle became an imperative, and there are two types of children, the first is wearing the muzzle happily in imitation of adults, and the second rejects it without any discussion.

Until a few months ago, many did not have experience in wearing, buying or even making masks, so parents should use the current period to search for the appropriate muzzle before attempts to persuade children to wear it when school returns.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) in America recommends that you wear a cloth face cover for children aged two years and over, when they are in public places where it is difficult to practice social spacing.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention says this mask should cover your child's nose and mouth. You should not pull it down or up, as both should be covered at the same time, and you are advised that children under two years do not wear the muzzle, have breathing problems, or who need adult help in taking off the muzzle and cannot alone do so.

The loose muzzle may cause leakage of the spray and reduce the level of protection (Pixels)

The criteria for choosing a muzzle

The size of the mask should be appropriate to the child’s face, perhaps it is not necessary to wear a medical muzzle, but a triangle-sized scarf or a small piece of cloth that covers the nose and mouth tightly, allowing breathing at the same time.

"The mask will fit properly if there are no big gaps between it and the face," Dr. Nikit Sunpal, an internal physician, gastroenterologist and assistant professor at Toro University, told the US Half Post.

"If the mask is too big, the spray can slip through the gaps, while it's still better than nothing," Sunpal added, stressing that a thicker mask gives more protection and is more effective in preventing the spread of the coronavirus.

As for pediatrician Haile Nelson, she advised through the Huff Post to be careful to choose a relatively comfortable muzzle for children, especially with regard to fixing the muzzle on the ears, so it should not be so tight that it hurts the child throughout her wearing period.

"Try to figure out what works for your child's face so it is rather warm but does not stretch or disturb his ears, but if the mask is loose, your child will definitely mess with him more," Nelson said.

She cautioned that children younger than two years old should not wear a muzzle because they have smaller airways, so it is difficult for them to breathe through the mask.

Children should be trained to wear a muzzle at home first for long periods (Pixels)

Experience and training

Mothers and fathers still have enough time to test the experience of wearing a muzzle before returning to school, especially since it will require wearing more than one muzzle per week (at least five), and perhaps wearing more than one during the school day, especially if they are medical masks, so it should It is subject to long periods of experience and training.

Experts advise that children should be trained to wear a muzzle at home for long periods, and not for a few minutes, so that the child does not feel that it can be taken off after a short period, and children must take the matter seriously, there is no choice in this regard, so it is preferable for the father or mother to explain why We wear the muzzle, and what dangers we may face if we do not wear it.

It may take some time for trial and error to find a suitable and good muzzle, but it must be borne in mind that delivery services may be delayed for weeks, so planning for the future from now is better.

A fun experience

Children should choose the mask they like to wear, especially after their favorite cartoon characters have spread over children's masks. But remember, we choose between the most beautiful mask and the best protection, and we have no choice not to wear masks or any form of protective masks.

Parents can start experimenting with the child's favorite doll, until they understand the nature and mechanism of wearing the mask. But remember, if you don’t wear masks outside your home with your children, there is no real reason to persuade them to wear them.

Also, wearing the mask should not be tied to sharpness, screaming, or strict commands. Just be enthusiastic while conducting an experiment. A certain level of mask wearing may be better than nothing.