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 – RSV, pneumonia, influenza, strep throat, upper respiratory viruses, stomach viruses
Dr. Jon Lovy -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital
“With the holidays upon us, many with chronic lung and heart conditions, as well as diabetes or prediabetes, are concerned about safely enjoying family gatherings without catching seasonal viruses like influenza, COVID-19, RSV, parainfluenza, or human metapneumovirus—or passing them along to older relatives. The best defense is staying up to date on your vaccinations, practicing good hand hygiene, and using caution in crowded indoor settings. When it comes to holiday meals, there’s no need to miss out. Just balance your plate: half filled with fruits and vegetables, and the remaining half split between whole grains or other healthy carbs and lean proteins. Savor your food slowly, skip second helpings, and keep a glass of water handy. This way, you’ll head into the new year with cherished memories—and without extra weight, uncontrolled blood sugar, or an unwanted infection.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“We’re seeing a lot of influenza A (flu), strep throat, and other viral upper respiratory infections and some viral gastrointestinal illnesses. I recommend that everyone do a good job of washing their hands, avoid touching their face, and keep those fingers out of the mouth!”
Dr. Sarah Leluga -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re seeing more and more RSV as we’re moving through this season. We’re still dealing with a lot of cases of pneumonia, and we are also now seeing more COVID cases again, unfortunately. We’re seeing a few cases of flu, but not as many as RSV currently.”
Dr. Roy Elrod -- Chief of Staff and Emergency Physician, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital
“COVID is coming back and flu is ticking up. And a few traumas and frostbite are starting to increase due to the cold weather. And a little bit of gastro. We’re seeing people with the stomach flu, too.”
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth
“We’re seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses driven by various viruses and weather changes, with asthma and COPD patients experiencing increased exacerbations as a result.”
Dr. Marcus Degraw -- Pediatrician, Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital
“We’re seeing lots of kids with RSV, bronchiolitis (lung infection), and mycoplasma pneumonia (walking pneumonia).”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“We’ve been seeing a lot of pneumonia, especially mycoplasma (walking pneumonia) in children this season.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – RSV, COPD & asthma flare-ups, slip & fall injuries, pneumonia
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
This week, we’ve seen several pneumonia cases. It spreads through coughing, sneezing, or close contact and is more common in those with weak immune systems, lung conditions, or who smoke. To prevent it, get vaccinated, wash your hands, avoid smoking, practice good hygiene, and stay away from sick individuals.
Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of RSV in both adult and pediatric patients. We are also seeing several individuals with COPD and asthma exacerbations. We’ve seen more slip and falls lately, too.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – RSV, atypical pneumonia, COVID, upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, norovirus
Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing more RSV and an increase in hospitalizations in young kids related to that infection. So far, it seems to fit a typical winter season. Historically, prior to COVID, this is the pattern we would see starting in December with peaks in January/February. We are still seeing a good amount of mycoplasma infections as well.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We continue to see Covid as well as other upper respiratory infections on the adult side. Not much flu activity at this time. Human rhino enterovirus activity is higher this week on those patients who are tested. We are also beginning to see an uptick in GI symptoms, including some positive norovirus cases.”
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 – Pneumonia, influenza, COVID, falls
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We are seeing an increased number of pneumonia, flu, and COVID-19 cases in the older and younger population. Many of these diagnoses start off with chief complaints of shortness of breath or nausea and vomiting with a cough. We recommend frequent hand washing, covering your mouth or nose when coughing or sneezing, and to stay home if you feel sick. Additionally, we are seeing an increase in falls among the elderly. As the weather gets colder, we advise that they use assistive devices if needed and take their time, as the ground may be slippery.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Pneumonia, colds, sore throats, influenza, COVID, RSV
Dr. Michael Kitto -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“While it was a common condition among children, pneumonia and symptoms of fever and difficulties breathing has begun spreading among adults. The vast majority of testing for COVID-19 and influenza have returned negative as patients are continuing to experience symptoms of a viral upper respiratory infection, including cough, congestion, and a slight fever. Significantly into the traditional flu season, there has been a noticeably low level of flu activity.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Right now, patients are dealing with colds, sore throats, flu, COVID, and RSV infections. “