Here’s our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.
“COVID is still presenting itself across the region,” said MinuteClinic nurse practitioner Deborah ‘Micki’ Bailey. “We’re seeing primarily URI and a few cases of Flu as well Flu A as well.”
Wayne County – Influenza, strep throat, sore throats, coughs, respiratory viruses
Dr. Marcus Moore -- Detroit Receiving Hospital, Chief of Emergency Medicine
“We’re continuing to see large numbers of influenza A, with rare but occasional influenza B. Hydration, fever control and rest is typically what we advise, and it takes about a week to feel better. We also are continuing to see burns from space heaters, including burns from house fires occurring due to overheated electrical circuits from portable electrical heating devices. People need to be so careful when deciding to use these devices.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Ascension St. John Hospital
“We’re seeing a lot of children and adults with strep throat and the flu. If you get sick with flu symptoms, in most cases, you should stay home and avoid contact with other people except to get medical care. In children look out for a fever over 100 degrees along with chest pain. That’s a warning sign to get medical care quickly. I’m also seeing patients with viral infections. The symptoms include runny nose, sore throat and cough. Children are at a high risk for these infections since they are often with other children who may be carrying a virus. Children may also wash their hands less frequently than adults.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“We’ve seen a lot of strep, pharyngitis — especially in kids. We continue to see COVID-19 infections, and actually have had, a modest increase in the number that we’ve had to admit to the hospital. There’s a viral upper respiratory infection that’s been going around, also a viral gastritis. I anticipate the spring bloom is upon us, and we will start to see more asthma, exacerbation. It’s super important that our asthmatics, ensure that they have the rescue medication’s that they require on hand.”
Oakland County – Influenza, Covid, RSV, pink eye, stomach viruses, strep throat
Dr. Steven McGraw -- Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield & Novi Campus
“I am navigating patients testing positive for COVID-19 and the flu. I’m seeing a few hospitalizations. Patients with gastrointestinal viruses are pretty common right now with symptoms like vomiting and diarrhea. Lastly, I’m seeing patients with strep throat and sinus infections.”
Dr. Adam Vieder -- Emergency medicine physician, Corewell Health Farmington Hills
“We are still seeing quite a bit of influenza A, Covid, and RSV. Many of the patients are well enough to be discharged home after ED care but some of those with significant comorbidities or in an immunocompromise state have required hospitalization.
The recommendation and message to the community would be to continue practicing good hand hygiene, if you feel sick, don’t go out in public, but if you must, make sure to wear a mask as they do help reduce the potential spread of any viruses.”
Dr. Susan Bork -- Director of Operations, Emergency, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“The warmer weather has leveled off the numbers of influenza, COVID and RSV infections but we still do see those circulating. Pink eye infections have also gone up on the less urgent side. Continue to take precautions of hand washing and avoid those with active infections. "
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week I have seen many patients with asthma exacerbations. A reminder to asthmatics to be compliant with home inhaler regimen. Asthma attacks are commonly complicated by upper respiratory infections and allergies. Smokers should stop smoking and patients should avoid known triggers when possible. "
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We’re seeing flu-like symptoms, respiratory symptoms and cardiac issues.”
Washtenaw County– Influenza, RSV, stomach viruses
Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
“In the Peds emergency department, we are still seeing a lot of viral gastrointestinal infections that cause vomiting and diarrhea. Also, we are still seeing a fair amount of influenza with some dwindling RSV.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at high levels. Most Influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw County are Influenza A, types A(H1N1) and A(H3). Sporadic cases of Influenza B are being reported. Influenza-related deaths in Washtenaw County adults have been reported this flu season. All individuals were older adults with confirmed Influenza A infection. Flu-related hospitalizations of Washtenaw residents are currently at high levels.”
Monroe County – Respiratory illnesses, influenza, Covid, strep throat, pneumonia
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“This week at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital, we are seeing patients coming in with respiratory illnesses, influenza A and B, strep, pneumonia, and COVID-19.”
Macomb County – Influenza, pneumonia, upper respiratory viruses, Covid, RSV, sinus infections
Dr. Richard Reidy -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“There has been a significant increase in positive flu cases, presenting with symptoms of body aches and fatigue and, in some cases, nausea and vomiting. Several cases of pneumonia have been treated in patients experiencing a cough, fever, and breathing difficulties. Cases of viral upper respiratory infections continue to be the most common reason for seeking care in the emergency department, with symptoms of persistent cough, congestion, and fever.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We’re seeing COVID-19, influenza, RSV and sinus infections from upper respiratory infections going around this week.”