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As our attention has been monopolized by COVID-19, we must not forget about the myriad other illnesses that have never gone away, and can for some people be just as dangerous.
The Ohio Department of Health recently reported an unexpected rise of respiratory illnesses that are not COVID-19, including Respiratory Syncytial Virus, or RSV, parainfluenza virus, and Rhinovirus -- all of which are leading to children being treated or hospitalized.
All of these viruses can cause serious symptoms in younger children, including leading to pneumonia.
Residents can learn a lesson from the practices encouraged to stem the spread of COVID-19. Hygiene practices need to remain strong.
Washing hands and not touching your face should be standard practice, anyway, no matter whether masks are involved.
Giving others plenty of space and not sharing food or drinks are things we can all teach our children.
Finally, staying home when we are sick is something we all should do -- and that decision should be understood by schools and businesses.
Yes, many can work or go to school if they have just a cold, but what if it isn't just a cold?
Frankly, even if it is just a cold, spreading germs could make others sick, and they could pass it to others. Among the lessons we should learn from the past year-and-a-half is that it is possible to stay healthier by making a few simple choices every day. We should not abandon those practices moving forward.