The Ohio Department of Health is reminding Ohioans to take precautions to stay healthy as respiratory illness season continues.

Dr. Bruce Vanderhoff, Director of the ODH, said the coronavirus, RSV, the flu and other illnesses are in-season and precautions can be taken to stay healthy.

Vanderhoff said to stay home if you're sick and to keep your children home from school if their not feeling well. He says having good ventilation in public spaces is also helpful.

According to the news conference, COVID remains present in the Buckeye State. Dr. Vanderhoff said 20 Ohioans still die from COVID each week and nearly 7,000 people were hospitalized because of it this year.

Currently, RSV numbers are low but slowly increasing. Statewide flu activity is low, but that historically changes at the end of the year and into January.

The Ohio Department of Health reported 1,400 cases of walking pneumonia as well.

Dr. Vanderhoff stressed the importance of staying up to date with vaccinations, specifically for people with chronic medical conditions, are 65+ years old, or are immunocompromised.

The RSV vaccine is available for pregnant women between 32-36 weeks, infants and people 60 years and older.