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, Covid, RSV, pink eye, strep throat.
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Ascension St. John Hospital
“I’m seeing patients with Influenza and Strep Throat. Strep tends to be most prevalent in early spring. So this illness will be around for the next few months. "
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency Department, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’ve been seeing a bump in influenza cases in the last 10 or 14 days, and we’re up to about 30% positivity rate in the patients we’re testing (all admitted patients and many outpatients are tested). Many have high fevers and they feel pretty bad. Once we get their temperature down, they do better. Parents or caregivers can give Tylenol and Motrin for fever. It’s ok if they don’t want to eat, but they have to keep drinking so they don’t become dehydrated. In younger kids, we’re seeing fevers and difficulty breathing. RSV numbers are down, and there are so many other viruses that are causing similar symptoms. We’re also seeing a lot of kids coming in with vomiting and diarrhea that isn’t flu.”
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth
“We are seeing continued cases of COVID-19 infection, Influenza A, and Strep infections in the community. Also, we are seeing exacerbations of long-term illnesses like congestive heart failure and diabetes. The severity of long-term illness exacerbations seems to be greater overall than in years past, which is likely due to multiple reasons, including increased baseline levels of illnesses in our population.”
Oakland County – Covid, influenza, RSV.
Dr. Steven McGraw -- Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Southfield & Novi Campus
“I’m seeing patients with COVID-19 and Influenza, but both seem to be slowing slightly, as expected during this time. For COVID-19, flu and/or RSV the best protection is to be up to date on vaccines.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week I had a few patients test positive for influenza. It is not too late to get a flu shot to protect yourself. Flu season typically peaks between December and February, but the season does not end until late spring and well into May.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We are seeing a variety of pain complaints, fatigue/weakness, and respiratory issues.”
Washtenaw County– Influenza, Covid, upper respiratory infections.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Still seeing some COVID, not usually requiring admission. Fair amount of flu and other URIs. A moderate amount of GI illnesses.”
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, pneumonia, strep throat, colds, asthma flare-ups.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“This week at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital we are still seeing a high number of respiratory illnesses, including influenza A and B, COVID-19, and pneumonia. Strep throat is also on the rise.”
Macomb County – Upper respiratory viruses, influenza, RSV, Covid, stomach viruses, breathing problems.
Dr. Ali Saad -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“Viral URIs, including flu, RSV, and some COVID-19, continue to be reported in significant volumes to the emergency department, though most patients experience mild symptoms and are discharged following treatment. Weather conditions have caused asthma sufferers to experience breathing complications. Following a slight tapering off, cases of viral gastroenteritis have rebounded, causing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Winter weather conditions have caused many falls, resulting in orthopedic injuries ranging from fractured extremities to dislocated joints.”