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I'm well aware that for many, life may seem to have returned to normal and that we no longer need to worry about SARS-CoV-2. In fact, most refer to the pandemic in the past tense. However, waves of the virus continue unabated, and with no sterilising vaccines currently available, my family and I are continuing to take precautions—like it’s 2020. With an active eight-year-old who has a full schedule of classes, playdates, and activities, and knowing how unpredictable COVID can be, we are continuing to remain vigilant. Keeping my daughter healthy is my top priority, and frankly, no one has time to be unwell, whether it's COVID or anything else. So how do I keep us protected without turning our lives upside down? Enter two of my must-haves: the Flo Mask and the QT3 Portable Air Purifier. These two little lifesavers have become part of our daily routine, giving me much-needed peace of mind while still allowing us to enjoy life as usual.
Designed specifically for children by a very cool engineer, Kevin Ngo, the Flo Mask is the one mask that gives me true peace of mind. In fact, I refused to fly until our Flo Masks arrived! It fits my daughter perfectly, providing a snug, secure seal that doesn't irritate her or need constant adjusting. She also likes its modern, funky look, which is an important factor too.
For me, finding the right mask was all about comfort and protection. The Flo Mask hits that sweet spot—high filtration and a fabulous fit without making it difficult to breathe. And that's a big deal when you're juggling homeschooling, extracurricular activities, and life in general.
I also use the adult version of the Flo Mask, and I would not be caught without it when out or having guests over. Whether we’re off to violin class, the supermarket, or hosting a playdate at home, I feel confident knowing we are both well-protected.
I do have another secret weapon in my prevention toolkit: the QT3 Portable Air Purifier (pictured below). It's lightweight, easy to carry, and gives me peace of mind when we're in spaces with less-than-ideal ventilation. It's simple—just switch it on, and you've got clean air in minutes.
We take the QT3 with us everywhere: classes, homeschool co-ops, and, most importantly, on aeroplanes. It's so small and handy that it fits neatly into my carry-on or sports bag, ready for whenever we need it.
There are a number of nasal sprays that claim to help prevent COVID. I'm not a scientist, but I do use them as an added layer in addition to masking, particularly when I know I'll be in a higher-risk situation. My husband uses VirX while I prefer to use BHM NoriZite Anti-Viral Nasal Spray, Betadine Cold Defence, Boots Dual Defence (UK) or Flo Travel Nasal Spray (Australia). For my daughter, she uses either Flo Travel Spray or Betadine Kids Nasal Defence.
Some may wonder why I'm still this cautious when things seem to be “back to normal.” It’s not about living in fear; it’s simply taking sensible precautions to avoid the possibility of contracting an airborne illness that is in fact, a vascular disease. The truth is, we don’t really know the long-term effects of COVID, and I’m not willing to risk our health by finding out the hard way. While we can't control everything, I feel better knowing we’re doing what we can with good-quality masks and by improving air quality. These small steps help us live our lives without unnecessary worry.
For me, staying vigilant doesn’t mean staying home or missing out. It’s about making thoughtful choices so my daughter and I can stay healthy and keep doing what we love. I’d rather take a few small precautions now than deal with potential health issues later. Especially with homeschooling and all the activities we enjoy, peace of mind is worth the effort.
Our day-to-day COVID routine is simple. Miss 8 wears her comfy Flo Mask, I grab mine, and we take the QT3 purifier along when needed (we never compromise on masking). We bring along nasal sprays if we are going into a higher-risk situation, but as I previously mentioned, we only use these as a layer in addition to masking.
Whether we’re off to violin class, running errands, or heading to a playdate, these tools are part of our everyday life. I also make sure to carry a couple of spare filters to stay prepared. It’s nothing elaborate, but it works for us and gives me that extra reassurance.
For any parents trying to balance safety with keeping life fun, here are a few tips that have worked for us:
Concluding Thoughts
I’m so glad we discovered the Flo Mask and QT3 Portable Air Purifier. They’ve made it easy to stay safe without the stress of feeling restricted. These tools allow us to enjoy life while staying healthy, and honestly, that’s all I could ask for. If you’re a parent looking for simple, effective ways to protect your family, I can’t recommend them enough.
If you're interested in COVID safety awareness and how to mitigate risks, I recommend following these professionals on Twitter for more insights into the ongoing pandemic and the risks associated with repeated infections:
Disclaimer: The information shared in this post is based on personal experience and should not be considered professional health advice. Please consult with a qualified healthcare provider for advice specific to your health situation.
Until next time, happy reading and thank you for being part of The Yumcha Mama community!
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Love, Mei-Ling x
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