Kids' corner · Comic No 1
I cough, I protect others!
A comic to learn good habits when you cough and how to wear a mask properly. The comic is in French; the full text is available in English below.
- 1 page
- To read together
- Cough and mask
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Read the comic text in English
Clara's adventures — I cough, I protect others!
1. At the clinic…
- The child: “I'm coughing a little today. I'm wearing a mask to protect others.”
- Clara: “Well done! When you cough, it's a great way to protect your family, the other patients and our team.”
2. Good habits when I cough
- I cough into my elbow.
- I use a tissue and throw it in the garbage.
- I wash my hands often with soap and water.
3. How do I wear a mask properly?
- I cover my nose and mouth well.
- The mask fits snugly on my face.
- I don't touch the mask while I'm wearing it.
- I change it if it's wet or dirty.
4. Who should wear a mask?
- Under 2: no mask.
- Ages 2 to 5: only if the child tolerates it, with a parent's supervision.
- Age 5 and over: recommended when they cough, have symptoms of a respiratory infection or in public places, especially near more vulnerable people.
5. Why does it matter?
- A mask helps reduce the spread of germs in the air, especially when you cough or have a runny nose.
- It protects others and helps keep everyone healthier!
6. A kind gesture!
- Clara: “Thank you for helping keep our clinic healthy!”
- “A small gesture for a big impact!”
For parents: good to know
- Wearing a mask is recommended for people who have symptoms of an infectious respiratory illness, until their symptoms are gone. A mask may be required in some places where care is provided.
- For children: no mask before age 2; from 2 to 5, only under supervision, if the child tolerates it and can put it on and take it off; from age 5, in the same situations as adults.
- To wear it properly: over the nose and mouth, fitted under the chin; avoid touching it; change it if it is damp, soiled or damaged; wash your hands before and after putting it on.
Sources (in French): Gouvernement du Québec, Port du masque and Comment utiliser un masque (updated November 14, 2023); Public Health Agency of Canada, Utilisation du masque pour réduire la propagation (modified September 17, 2026). Consulted on October 10, 2026.
Psst… a little secret from Clara
In the comics, Clara puts on her scrubs to tell the story of the care. In real life, Clara is the website's virtual assistant: the clinic's nurses and health professionals are the ones who provide care. Clara is here to guide you around the website!
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Clara's comics are intended to inform children and their parents. They do not replace a consultation or an assessment by a health professional. In an emergency, call 911. For health advice, call Info-Santé 811. Page published on October 16, 2026.