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, RSV, stomach viruses, strep throat, COVID
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth
“We are seeing a large increase in patients with influenza A (flu) and RSV. COVID is around as well. Please try to avoid exposing those under 2 years of age, those over age 65, and those with chronic respiratory or other illnesses. Urgent care and same-day clinics will prove to be timelier and more cost-effective for testing than the ER.”
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency
“Flu has definitely hit the children in our region. Plus, we are still seeing patients with RSV. We’re also seeing a significant number of patients with vomiting/diarrhea illness and strep throat.”
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“Our EC and hospital have both been very busy. We’ve been seeing lots of RSV and influenza leading to hospitalizations, especially in patients with underlying lung disease (asthma and COPD).”
Oakland County – Influenza, RSV, COVID, mycoplasma pneumonia, respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, slip & fall injuries
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week, we have seen many influenza (flu) and COVID-positive patients. Flu and COVID share many symptoms like fever, cough, fatigue, and sore throat, but COVID often causes gradual loss of taste or smell and more severe respiratory issues like shortness of breath. Flu typically causes sudden muscle aches and can lead to secondary bacterial infections. Seek immediate medical care if breathing becomes difficult, you experience confusion, chest pain, or blue discoloration of the skin. Vaccines are the best prevention for both, and antivirals can help if taken early.”
Sarah Rauner -- Chief Pediatric Nurse Practitioner Emergency, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are in full swing with our respiratory illnesses. There is COVID, influenza, and RSV going around. There are also other respiratory viruses in play as well. Additionally, we are seeing vomiting and diarrhea that are causing dehydration. Make sure you are washing your hands and stay home if sick to prevent the spread of illness.”
Dr. Matthew Compton -- DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Chief of Emergency Medicine
“We’re seeing lots and lots of patients with respiratory infections, specifically influenza, RSV, COVID and mycoplasma (walking pneumonia).”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“Patients are coming in for respiratory issues, RSV, flu and COVID. Falls and abdominal pain were other concerns.”
Washtenaw County – Influenza, COVID, upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, norovirus
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“This week there has been a noticeable uptick in COVID cases as well as influenza, and we’re still seeing upper respiratory infections that are neither covid nor flu. We continue to have GI illness, although specific testing is not frequently performed on the adult side. There are also a few positive norovirus cases.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at high levels. Cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw county are influenza A. Influenza wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
Monroe County – Influenza, COVID, RSV
Emergency Center, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
“We are seeing an increase in cases of Influenza A, COVID-19, and RSV, with a consistent upward trend over the past few weeks. These illnesses are affecting individuals of all ages, but we are noticing that school-aged children often contract the illness first and then spread it to their families. Older adults, in particular, are being hospitalized most frequently due to these illnesses. We advise everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and regularly, stay home if feeling unwell, and wear a mask if you must leave the house while sick.”
Macomb County – RSV, influenza, slip & fall injuries related to icy conditions
Dr. Evan Coyne -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“There has been an increase in children experiencing cough, congestion, and a fever who have been testing positive for RSV. Patients continue to test positive for the flu, with the main symptoms mirroring an upper respiratory infection, such as a fever, cough, and body aches. Falling temperatures and icy conditions have resulted in a significant increase in patients seeking care for orthopedic and soft tissue injuries.”