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
Covid, RSV, influenza, viral croup, strep throat, ear infections
Dr. Tiffney Widner, Children’s Hospital of Michigan pediatrician:
“Same stuff honestly; nothing has changed (in the past week). There are kiddos with mild symptoms of COVID testing positive. RSV and flu symptoms are still going around. There are kiddos that are being admitted with RSV and flu, but this is the time of year we expect this to happen. And asthma and allergy kids are still affected because it gets colder and now it’s supposed to be warmer this weekend – the temperature keeps going back and forth. Hand foot and mouth is starting to fall off, but it’s still around.”
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer, Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth:
“In the community, we are seeing a surge of COVID-19, RSV, other viral infections and sporadic influenza cases. In most cases, supportive care for comfort and efforts to maintain hydration is all that is indicated. Higher risk individuals may benefit from other measures. Folks with difficulty breathing, chest pain, inability to tolerate fluids for several hours and other severe symptoms would benefit from urgent in-person evaluations.”
Kim Wahmhoff, FNP-C, Henry Ford-GoHealth Urgent Cares:
“We are seeing a lot of viruses circulating. We are also continuing to see an increase in positive COVID-19 tests. We also continue to see RSV in kids and older adults causing illness.”
Oakland County
Influenza, RSV, Covid, hand foot & mouth disease, asthma flare-ups, sinus infections
Dr. Steven McGraw, Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi & Southfield Campus:
“Seeing patients with COVID-19 and Influenza is becoming more common. Both viruses can have similar symptoms, including cough, runny nose, sore throat, fever, headache and fatigue. It’s not too late to get a flu shot to protect against the infection. I’m also seeing patients with strep throat and stomach flu. During the cold months I recommend everyone limit the spread of germs by covering their mouths when they cough/sneeze, stay hydrated, up your vitamin D intake and stay rested. "
Sarah Rauner, RN, Chief pediatric nurse practitioner, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Troy:
“We are seeing an increase in wheezing caused by viral upper respiratory infections, RSV being the dominant one right now. Also, some scattered COVID and other cough/congestion-related sicknesses. We have not seen a big increase in influenza A/B infections yet. However, it is likely headed our way. When we have a lot of upper respiratory infections, especially in little ones, we see secondary ear infections and pneumonias that occur if the illness sticks around. Hand, foot, and mouth has slowed down, but strep is slightly on the rise. The most important takeaway is upper respiratory infection season is here. Cover your cough, wash your hands, stay home when you’re sick and until you’re fever-free for 24-48 hours. Lastly, get vaccinated for what you can.”
Dr. Justin Skrzynski, Internal medicine physician, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Royal Oak:
“Right now, the hospital is seeing an increase in respiratory viruses including flu, RSV and COVID. It’s important to be current on vaccinations and stay home if you’re sick in order to remain healthy and protect people most at risk.”
Dr. Rena Daiza, Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.:
“This week we continue to see asthma and allergy exacerbations as well as continued upper respiratory infections. Hand, Foot, and Mouth disease is also on the rise. It mainly hits kids under 5 but can also infect anyone. Hand Foot and Mouth is not serious but is very contagious.”
Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Emergency Department:
“We are seeing a lot of respiratory issues and pain of all kinds. Our top pain complaints are abdominal pains.”
Washtenaw County
Covid, upper respiratory infections, RSV, bronchiolitis, influenza
Dr. Marisa Louie, Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine:
“We are seeing lots of RSV and bronchiolitis still in addition to the other common respiratory viruses. There was definitely a bump from the Thanksgiving holiday travel.”
Dr. Brad Uren, Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine:
“Lots of URIs including COVID. Few strep. Minimal GI illness now.”
Washtenaw County Health Department:
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents appear to be increasing. Most Influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw County are Influenza A. Sporadic cases of Influenza B are being reported. Flu-related hospitalizations of Washtenaw residents are currently at low levels. Sporadic hospitalizations are being reported.”
Monroe County
Did not report this week.
Macomb County
Viral infections, Covid, RSV, influenza, sore throats, pneumonia
Dr. Anthony Joslin, Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb:
“There has been a noticeable increase in all types of viral infections, including a slight increase in confirmed COVID-19 cases, though the majority of patients experience mild symptoms. An uptick in RSV cases among children and adults have patients experiencing respiratory distress, persistent cough, and fever. A slight increase in flu cases has resulted in patients suffering from a fever, body aches, and a cough. Cases of gastroenteritis and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea remain steady.”
Dr. Maria Samuel, Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights:
“We are seeing more COVID-19 cases. Some patients are also coming in with sore throats – probably from viruses. Some flu cases also, but predominant cases are unfortunately COVID-19 again this week. Most of the cases are related to travel, weather changes and spending time with family and friends.”
Dr. Anthony Colucci, Medical director at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital’s Emergency Department:
“There has been an up-tick in the number of COVID-19 positive patients that have been seen in our ED the past 1-2 weeks. Either related to COVID-19 for the reason they came into the ED or as a secondary finding for admission/placement purposes.”
Livingston County
Did not report this week.