CLEVELAND — Starting Oct. 17, the Cleveland Clinic will ask all visitors and caregivers to wear masks to help curb the spread of viruses heading deep into the fall. 

"We are now entering respiratory virus season – a time when we see increasing cases of illnesses such as influenza, RSV and COVID-19. For many, these viruses only cause mild sickness. However, for others, they could lead to serious illness or even death," the Cleveland Clinic said in a press release.

In addition to wearing masks, visitors at inpatient locations will also be asked to sanitize their hands, remember proper cough etiquette and to stay home if they are sick. 

Cleveland Clinic said masks will be available at location entrances or upon request. The hospital system also recommends those who are immunocompromised, at high risk for complications from respiratory viruses or are experiencing symptoms of a virus to mask up as well. 

It's not the first Ohio hospital system to utilize masks again. Cincinnati Children's mandated all employees to start wearing masks late last month. 

Fall is prime time for the spread of respiratory synclinal virus, influenza and COVID-19. Health officials have been urging Ohioans to get vaccinated in hopes of curbing the spread. This year's flu shot and the updated COVID-19 booster are now available throughout Ohio at pharmacies. 

There's also a vaccine for RSV that's recommended for people 60 and older and certain pregnant women. As for babies, a medicine that's vaccine-like is expected to be available sometime this month. 

To ensure your pharmacy has the vaccine you need, officials urge to call ahead. 

COVID-19 cases have been down for the third straight week in Ohio, according to Thursday's last data release from the Ohio Department of Health. Cases fell from more than 7,700 to 6,380. 

Data for flu cases isn't available yet, as the season runs from early October and usually peaks between December and February.