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, flu, COVID, allergies
Children’s Hospital of Michigan pediatrician Dr. Tiffney Widner:
“Honestly, it’s still the same things going around: RSV, Flu A, still some covid. With the cold weather, we’re also seeing more patients with allergies and asthma. Some kiddos, their allergies get worse with the cold weather. Parents need to make sure they’re stocked up on albuterol and inhalers for kids that are affected. Some kids are worse in the summer and spring, some in the winter and fall. This cold weather can definitely affect some of the kiddos.
“Advice to parents about kids going out in this cold weather: Just make sure they’re appropriately covered. When we have these sub-zero temperatures, it’s the uncovered skin that’s most at risk. As far as going outside, it needs to be in short bursts because frostbite can start as soon as 15 minutes after exposure starts.”
Trinity Health Livonia:
“Trinity Health Livonia is still seeing an increase with respiratory viruses such as COVID, RSV, and Influenza.”
Dr. Glen Clark, Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Grosse Pointe
“We are seeing significant numbers of viral respiratory infections, with influenza A being the most prominent. Also, we’ve had several slip-and-fall injuries and motor vehicle accidents due to the weather (mainly minor trauma cases).”
Oakland County -- COVID, flu, chest pain
Steven McGraw, MD, Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi & Southfield Campus:
“I’m still seeing a lot of patients with COVID-19, Influenza and other viral upper respiratory infections. It’s been a tough winter so far. I’m also seeing patients with stomach viruses that cause vomiting and diarrhea. In children especially, these illnesses can lead to dehydration. It’s important for parents of small children to watch for signs of lethargy, decreased urinary output and high fever that is not improving with Tylenol.”
Emergency Department/Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital/Oakland:
“Chest pain and respiratory issues have been our largest illnesses.”
Dr. Jim Getzinger, Emergency Center physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital, Royal Oak.
“We’ve still been seeing a large number of respiratory viruses - flu/COVID/RSV. Given the severe cold weather, we are often driven closer to each other - closed windows/doors - less open ventilation. Exposure to airborne viruses is so much greater.”
Clarkston Medical Group Dr. Tim O’Neill:
“Type B flu. RSV and Covid about equally.”
Trinity Health Oakland:
“Trinity Health Oakland continues to see many patient complaints of viral illness and a lot of Influenza.”
Washtenaw County -- Flu, COVID, RSV
Chelsea Hospital:
“Chelsea Hospital is seeing respiratory illness. Increase in COVID, RSV and Influenza.”
Washtenaw County Health Department:
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents remain at high levels, but may be decreasing. Flu-related hospitalizations remain high.”
Monroe County -- Flu, COVID, chest pain
Promedica Monroe Regional Hospital:
“This week at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital we are seeing an increase in flu and COVID-19 patients. Patients are also coming in with abdominal pain, chest pain, and respiratory problems.”
Macomb County -- Fall injuries, flu, COVID, RSV
Dr. Glenn DeLong, an emergency physician at McLaren Macomb, reports:
“With the extreme cold and icy conditions, there has been a significant increase in patients seeking care for injuries suffered in a fall, the majority of which were to the arms and wrists, but also several head injuries.
“The most common reason patients are seeking care in the emergency department continues to be viral upper respiratory infections, including COVID-19, influenza, and RSV. The vast majority of cases are mild and do not require hospitalization, though severe cases can lead to breathing complications.
“Viral gastroenteritis remains steady with significant, noticeable volumes, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.”
Dr. Maria Samuel/Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights/Macomb:
“We’re seeing slip and fall injuries from the ice in addition to upper respiratory infections, influenza A and COVID-19 this week.”
Livingston County -- Flu, RSV, COVID
Trinity Health Livingston and the Brighton Medical Center:
“Trinity Health Livingston and the Brighton Medical Center are seeing higher volumes of Influenza, RSV and COVID patients, as well as some viral GI as well.”