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, Covid, influenza
Dr. Christopher Loewe, Ascension St. John:
“I’m seeing a lot of patients with viral illnesses including COVID-19, Influenza and Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV). Some symptoms for RSV include runny nose, decrease in appetite, fever, coughing or sneezing. Make sure to call your doctor if you or your child is having difficulty breathing, not drinking enough fluids, or experiencing worsening symptoms.”
Dr. Kevin Dazy, pediatrician with Children’s Hospital of Michigan:
“We are still seeing a lot of our three worrisome viruses: RSV, flu and COVID. I think RSV is starting to come down just a bit, as in I think we are now past the RSV peak for the season. Influenza and COVID remains concerning to me. Most cases are not requiring kids to be hospitalized – although some are. But we are seeing milder illness in kids in the form of cold symptoms like coughing, runny nose and fevers.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson, Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane:
“There’s a ton of influenza, COVID-19 and we’re still seeing a lot of strep pharyngitis going around. This would be an excellent time for people to get their flu shots if they haven’t already. Also, I’ll suggest again that folks consider wearing masks if they need to be out and about and feel upper respiratory infection symptoms. No one likes to be sick!”
OAKLAND COUNTY -– COVID, stomach viruses, strep throat
Dr. Steven McGraw, Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi & Southfield Campus:
“Our rate of respiratory illnesses continues to rise, similar to all of our surrounding hospitals. We’re also seeing patients with stomach viruses and strep throat. This is a reminder for everyone to cover their cough, get their COVID-19 booster and flu shots. Please also look out for neighbors who may have difficulty shoveling the snow after this week’s storms. Limit the amount of snow being lifted with each shovel and also look out for others who need help in the neighborhood.”
Clarkston Medical Group:
Flu, mostly type B. Some COVID, RSV and HFM.
Sarah Rauner, chief pediatric nurse practitioner, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Troy:
“We are in the heart of our respiratory season. We are seeing predominately RSV, influenza, and some COVID. Early data is showing a less severe volume of RSV cases than last year. We are also seeing other viral upper respiratory illnesses. All of these can be more difficult for our asthmatic children. Get your vaccines up to date if you can, wash your hands and stay home if you are newly sick and/or feverish.”
Dr. Susan Bork, director of operations, Emergency Center, Corewell Health’s William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak:
“The emergency department has been experiencing high volumes over the past week. Influenza A is starting to surge and is spreading within the community while we continue to see some RSV, COVID and other upper respiratory illnesses. The best protection is always hand washing and avoidance of close contact with those who are ill.”
Emergency Department/Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital/Oakland:
“We are seeing a lot of respiratory issues, flu-like symptoms and abdominal pain are the illnesses we are seeing in our Emergency Department.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY -– Influenza
Washtenaw County Health Department:
The Health Department reports influenza cases are on the rise, with a similar increase in flu hospitalizations. They also reported their first influenza death in an older adult last week.
MACOMB COUNTY –- Gastroenteritis
Dr. Joseph Carlier, an emergency physician at McLaren Macomb, reports:
- Gastroenteritis
- Cases of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea resulting from viral gastroenteritis have continued to be reported in high volume.
- Viral URIs
- Adults testing positive for influenza and RSV have noticeably increased, presenting with symptoms of fever, congestion, body aches, and fatigue.
- COVID-19
- Patients testing positive for COVID-19 remains steady, with the majority of patients experiencing mild symptoms and not requiring hospitalization.
Dr. Maria Samuel/Primary Care Physician, HENRY FORD MEDICAL CENTER STERLING HEIGHTS/Macomb:
“We’re seeing more COVID-19, influenza and RSV this week. We’re also seeing other viral upper respiratory infections.”
MONROE COUNTY –- Influenza, RSV
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital:
“We are seeing a lot of Influenza A and RSV along with patients coming in with abdominal pain, chest pain, and shortness of breath.”