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, bacterial pneumonia, stomach viruses, Covid, upper respiratory infections
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan Pediatrician
We’re still seeing a good number of influenza cases, and in some children it’s evolving into bacterial pneumonia. Those kids need antibiotics. It worries me when I’m seeing otherwise healthy kids who require hospitalization when their influenza turns into pneumonia. It’s rare, but we have a number of kids hospitalized with it. In the last week there has been more gastroenteritis – nausea, vomiting and diarrhea – separate from influenza. We see that sporadically throughout the year, but we’re seeing a significant number of children with it right now. The vast majority of time, there’s not much we can do other than to ensure they are hydrated.
Dr. Dan Taylor -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
We’re seeing a lot of flu: probably a lot of Flu B, switching over from Flu A. We’re back to a normal flu pattern, it looks like. Injuries – we always have those, but nothing out of the ordinary. And we always have our share of cardiac disease, strokes. As the weather gets better, we’ll have increased numbers generally as people get out and about.
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
There’s still influenza and COVID-19 in the community and we continue to see patients that require hospitalization as a result. There’s also a viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) as well as many viral (but non-COVID-19/influenza) upper respiratory infections going around. Again, I recommend that people wear masks in public when they have URI symptoms to protect our community. Hand washing also is super important to prevent the spread of stomach flu.
Dr. Asha Shajahan -- Family medicine physician, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe
“We are still seeing flu and COVID, along with knee/back/joint pain and arthritis, especially as the weather and temperatures fluctuate. As people are beginning to see spring around the corner, we are seeing a lot of requests, an average of four a day, requesting the new and effective weight loss medications.”
Oakland County – Stomach viruses, bronchiolitis, RSV, upper respiratory viruses, influenza, Covid, allergy & asthma flare-ups
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“I am currently seeing cases of bronchiolitis, a viral illness (sometimes caused by RSV) that occurs mostly in children but can also affect older adults. Adults over 60 can receive a single dose of RSV vaccine, while recommendations for infants is either via monoclonal antibody or having the mother immunized during pregnancy.”
Sarah Rauner, RN -- Chief pediatric nurse practitioner, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital Troy
“We are seeing an increase in viral gastroenteritis. This can be a combination of vomiting, diarrhea, nausea, decreased appetite and/or fever. This is particularly difficult in little ones. Also, we’re continuing to see viral upper respiratory infections, including influenza and COVID. As our weather fluctuates, we’re seeing individuals who are experiencing some allergy and asthma issues as well. There have been a lot of children battling back-to-back illnesses, as the sick season enters its last few weeks (hopefully).”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We have had a lot of behavioral health patients this week in the ED. There also were a lot of pains that were mostly abdominal and weakness/fatigue.”
Washtenaw County– Influenza, Covid, upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Noticeable uptick in flu cases this week. Still some COVID. Few other URIs. Some GI but not a lot.”
Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
“We have had an increase in patients in general. Still seeing quite a bit of flu as well as COVID.”
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 – Upper respiratory viruses, pneumonia, stomach viruses
Dr. Spencer Johnson -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“Currently, we are still seeing a fair amount of viral URI, along with pneumonia. There also seems to be a good deal of viral GI illness within the community. The best practice is excellent hand hygiene and staying home when ill.”
Macomb County – Upper respiratory viruses, influenza, Covid, RSV, asthma flare-ups, weather-related falls
Dr. Joseph Flynn -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“Continuing to be reported in high volumes viral upper respiratory infections (including RSV, influenza, and COVID-19) continue to be the most common reason patients are seeking care in the emergency department, presenting with fever, persistent cough, body aches, and fatigue. The vast majority of patients do not present with severe symptoms, and they can be discharged following treatment. Viral URIs have been complicating asthma sufferers’ conditions, exacerbating breathing complications. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea continue to be treated in patients suffering from viral gastroenteritis. Wintery conditions have resulted in falls and many patients suffering a traumatic orthopedic injury, mainly to the extremities, but also some head injuries.”
Dr. Anthony Colucci -- Medical director at Henry Ford Macomb Hospital’s emergency department
“Flu and COVID-19 are still being seen in our ED.”
Dr. Dhairya Kiri -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Richmond
“We are seeing a significant increase in Influenza A cases in clinic this week.”