Here’s our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.
WAYNE COUNTY – Influenza, COVID, strep throat, RSV, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma flare-ups
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan Pediatrician
“We are definitely experiencing an increase in RSV and seeing many kids hospitalized. We have also been seeing over the last few weeks an increase in Mycoplasma, commonly known as “walking pneumonia.” And we are seeing asthma triggered by these weather changes and from common cold viruses.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“We’re officially seeing cases of the flu here at Fairlane, along with quite a bit of COVID and strep throat. Most COVID cases are being treated outpatient, but some flu patients are very sick and need to be admitted. Now’s a great time to get your flu shot! “
Dr. Brian O’Neil -- DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital Emergency Department Physician
“Cold and flu season is coming back and Influenza seems to be on the rise. Those at high risk should be getting vaccinated. We’re seeing a lot of Influenza. And the change in weather is causing shelter-seeking for the homeless population.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Influenza, stomach virus, respiratory viruses, RSV, COVID, mycoplasma pneumonia
Dr. Susan Bork -- Director of Operations, Emergency Center, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“Fall is here and its arrival means time to vaccinate for influenza. We have been seeing our first cases of influenza along with a stomach virus causing vomiting and diarrhea that is lasting a few days.”
Sarah Rauner -- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We have seen the recent mycoplasma infections stabilize a bit. However, we are continuing to see a steady increase in our winter respiratory viruses, including some RSV and COVID. We haven’t seen as much influenza yet. We are also seeing different types of coughs, including croup, as the weather changes. Strep throat has been a bit more prevalent, since the kids went back to school. Make sure you are washing your hands and teaching kids the same. As always, stay home if you’re sick to avoid the spread of germs.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
This week we continue to see upper respiratory symptoms and asthma due to infections and allergies. Be sure to take regular medications and seek a doctor if:
- Breathing becomes difficult or you can’t speak full sentences.
- Inhaler or rescue medication isn’t helping.
- Symptoms worsen quickly or don’t improve with treatment.
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We’re seeing a lot of falls in the elderly, chest pain, general pain, and stroke symptoms.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Respiratory illnesses, RSV, influenza, upper respiratory infections, asthma & COPD flare-ups, stomach viruses
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Less COVID this week, but seeing an uptick in other non-flu, non-COVID upper respiratory infections. These are primarily causing trouble for people with COPD, asthma and other underlying respiratory illnesses. Also seeing a slight increase in GI illnesses as well.”
Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
“We continue to have a lot of respiratory illness. We are starting to see some RSV and influenza.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at low levels. Sporadic cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw county are influenza B. Influenza wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
MONROE COUNTY – Upper respiratory infections, cough, colds, stomach viruses
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We are seeing patients presenting with cough and cold symptoms, as well as abdominal pain and diarrhea.”
MACOMB COUNTY – RSV, pneumonia, upper respiratory viruses, colds, COVID
Dr. Brianne Waggoner -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Multiple pediatric patients with symptoms of fever, cough, and sore throat have tested positive for RSV. Also mostly affecting pediatric patients, pneumonia has led to symptoms of cough, fever, and breathing complications. Though not testing positive for pneumonia or RSV, a very common diagnosis has been a viral upper respiratory infection causing symptoms of cough, congestion, and runny noses. With the rise on common fall and winter illnesses, patients have not been testing positive for influenza.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights/Macomb
“Patients have come in with COVID, pneumonia and colds this week.”