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I know many people have moved on and speak of COVID-19 in the past tense. But SARS-CoV-2 hasn’t gone anywhere. With no sterilising vaccine and new variants still circulating, we are continuing to be cautious.
With an active eight-year-old who attends classes, co-ops, and playdates, I’d rather not risk any illness if I can help it. COVID is unpredictable, and like most parents, I don’t have time for anyone in our household to be unwell. So we do what works for us - sensible, manageable steps that fit into everyday life without disrupting it. Two items have become part of our routine: the Flo Mask and the Smart Air QT3 Portable Air Purifier.
Designed specifically for children by a very cool Google 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.
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.
We also carry a small, lightweight portable air purifier - the Smart Air QT3. It’s easy to pop into a bag and comes with us whenever we’ll be indoors for a while, especially in places with poor ventilation. It’s particularly handy for flights, classes, or gatherings in enclosed spaces. It’s also excellent for places where masking isn’t possible, like the dentist - I simply switch it on and let it run beside the chair. It’s not loud or bulky, and it gives me peace of mind.
We take the Smart Air 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 about taking sensible precautions to avoid contracting an airborne illness that is, in fact, a vascular disease. The truth is, we still don’t fully understand 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. I also don’t want to rob my daughter of her future health. Good health is not a given, and there is enough evidence now to show that repeated COVID infections have a cumulative effect that I’m not willing to toy with.
It’s all very straightforward. My daughter wears her Flo Mask whenever we’re out in public or around anyone at all, and so do I. We bring the Smart Air QT3 purifier when it seems sensible to do so - particularly in indoor settings with limited ventilation. If we’re heading into a higher-risk situation, we’ll also pack nasal sprays. I always carry spare filters and masks so we’re not caught out.
It’s not complicated, and it doesn’t interfere with what we do. It just gives me that extra bit of confidence as we go about our week.
For any parents trying to balance safety with keeping life fun, here are a few tips that have worked for us:
I recently watched an excellent talk by Dr Nancy Malek, MBBS FANZCA, titled “COVID for Doctors” (June 2025). Although it was directed at medical professionals, I believe it’s something laypeople should also take the time to watch. It’s clear, measured, and deeply illuminating - especially for those still unsure about what we’re truly up against with COVID. Understanding the science and long-term implications helps put into perspective why some of us are continuing to take precautions. I highly recommend it to anyone wanting a clearer picture of the ongoing risks.
Concluding Thoughts
I’m so glad we discovered the Flo Mask and the Smart Air 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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