69º

What’s Going Around: Respiratory viruses, influenza, pneumonia, stomach viruses

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, post-flu pneumonia, strep throat, asthma flare-ups, Covid, stomach viruses

Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan

“We’re still seeing a good amount of flu, both influenza A and influenza B. We’re also seeing a good bit of strep, along with lots of kids with asthma flares. Symptoms of strep include sore throat/throat pain, red swollen tonsils, fever and swollen lymph nodes in the neck.”

Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Ascension St. John Hospital

“The biggest thing I’m seeing right now is Influenza. I’m seeing kids and adults with it along with a few severe cases of post-influenza pneumonia in kids. This is a reminder to rest and drink lots of fluids. Also, everyone should wash their hands frequently.”

Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth

“While COVID-19 rates have fallen a bit in the last month, cases are still popping up in the ED. And it seems, from the ED perspective, to be affecting the elderly most harshly. Influenza activity, specifically Influenza A, is at a high level in our area. Vaccination provides some protection, but breakthrough infections do still happen. So being mindful of others when you suspect or know you are ill may help quell spread.”

Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital Grosse Pointe

“We are seeing gastroenteritis, or the stomach flu, as well other viral illnesses. COVID and influenza cases are still being documented.”

OAKLAND COUNTY – Stomach viruses, strep throat, influenza, Covid, RSV

Sarah Rauner, RN -- Chief nurse practitioner, Emergency Center and After Hours Pediatric Clinic, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

“We have seen an increase in vomiting, diarrhea, with and without fevers. Strep throat has increased a bit lately. We are still seeing influenza and COVID with less RSV. Hopefully we are in the home stretch of back to back infections for school age children and younger.”

Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

“We have had a lot of fever, respiratory issues and pain – mostly abdominal but chest pain as well. We had one case of measles on the weekend seen here in the ED.”

Washtenaw County – Influenza, viral illnesses, Covid, spring allergies, asthma & COPD flare-ups

Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine

“Less COVID and URIs generally this week. Not as much allergy/asthma/COPD this week.”

Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine

“We are seeing a lot of influenza still, in addition to the usual mix of other viruses.”

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, pneumonia, strep throat, stomach viruses

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center

“This week at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital we are seeing a lot of respiratory illnesses, including influenza A and B, pneumonia, and strep throat. We are also seeing a lot of gastrointestinal illnesses which includes symptoms of nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”

Macomb County – Strep throat, influenza, stomach viruses

Dr. Christopher Shamass -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb

“There has been a noticeable increase in pediatric patients diagnosed with strep throat, results in a sore, scratchy throat and a slight fever. Cases of influenza continue to be reported in significant volumes, with the majority of patients experiencing a persistent cough, fever, and body aches. Viral gastroenteritis remains a very common diagnosis, with patients experiencing nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea, which can lead to dehydration for many.”

Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights

“We are seeing flu and COVID-19 cases come down, but are still seeing more flu and some step cases too.”

Livingston County -- Respiratory viruses, stomach viruses


About the Authors

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

Recommended Videos