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 – Pneumonia, bronchiolitis, strep throat, colds, stomach viruses, influenza.
Dr. Brandon Cheppa -- DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital Emergency Physician
“We’ve seen a decent amount of carbon monoxide exposure, with the weather starting to get a little colder. It’s a good reminder to make sure your carbon monoxide detector is up to date. Symptoms are headaches, weakness, blacking out, dizziness – and you need a utility or the fire department to give the ok to go back in. Also people are trying to do some work in the garage now, and they’re keeping the garage door closed and they’re turning on a grill or propane tank, or sitting in a car and letting the car run while they’re putting in a new radio in the car. With the weather change, we’re also seeing frostbite, frost nip and cold exposure. Keep in mind wetness and wind can strip heat. So dress appropriately for the weather. And obviously, we’re starting to see COVID and flu.”
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan Pediatrician
“Recently I’ve seen strep throat and allergy flares. For strep, it’s a bacterial infection. So you would need to be diagnosed by a physician and treatment would be antibiotics. If your child has a severe sore throat and fever, they should see a pediatrician. Untreated, strep can actually progress and can cause scarlet fever or affect the kidneys. Those are the things that we’re trying to prevent. We’re also seeing a lot of cold symptoms, like upper respiratory symptoms. And I know my colleagues have seen some COVID patients. I’ve heard of flu-like symptoms, but we don’t always test. I haven’t seen flu yet.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“Gastroenteritis is spreading, likely viral, so wash your hands and avoid touching your face. Influenza A cases are also rising—get your flu shot if you haven’t yet. Good hand hygiene helps prevent both illnesses. If you’re feeling sick, stay home to keep everyone healthy this holiday season. “
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“We’re seeing many infants and toddlers with bronchiolitis requiring admission, as well as cases of pneumonia in children.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Upper respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, croup, influenza, strep throat, COVID.
Dr. Joe Schramski -- Assistant Chief, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We have seen a lot of people coming in with really bad cough and congestion. In many cases, the cough has been persistent for one to two weeks. Despite this, people are still testing negative for RSV and COVID. We are not yet seeing many flu cases, but it does appear to be shaping up to be a bad season for viruses, so I recommend everybody get their flu shot now to stay as safe as possible.”
Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital
“Our Southfield and Novi locations are seeing many viral upper respiratory illnesses, also croup, influenza, rhinoviruses, COVID, strep throat, and gastrointestinal viruses that cause diarrhea and vomiting. This holiday season, protect vulnerable family members by washing hands, covering coughs, and avoiding those who are immunocompromised if you’re sick.”
Dr. Trevor Eckenswiller -- Emergency Physician, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing several upper respiratory viruses, some short GI bugs, and the odd lingering case of COVID. We test many people for COVID/flu/RSV and haven’t seen the usual fall spikes, which likely means they will be more prevalent after Thanksgiving.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“RSV cases are rising. This contagious virus affects the nose, throat, and lungs. If you’re 60 or older, get the RSV vaccine for protection.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We’re seeing a lot of pain issues in the abdomen, chest and flank. Shortness of breath-respiratory issues are also popping up along with dizziness and falls.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – COVID, upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, influenza.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“This week there is a small but notable increase in COVID cases as well as URIs generally. Most COVID cases are not requiring admission. The most vulnerable are those patients with underlying lung conditions. There is stable GI illness this week when compared to last week.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at low levels. Sporadic cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw county are influenza B. Influenza wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
MONROE COUNTY – Pneumonia, atypical pneumonia, colds, bacterial ear infections.
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“We are seeing an increase in pneumonia, specifically walking or atypical pneumonia, that has been reported in other areas previously. In children, there has been a slight uptick in colds that are lingering and transitioning to bacterial ear infections.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Pneumonia, upper respiratory viruses, strep throat.
Dr. Michael Kitto -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Increasing over the past few weeks, more children are being diagnosed with pneumonia after experiencing symptoms of persistent cough, fever, and breathing complications. Patients experiencing symptoms of congestion, slight fever, and cough continue to be diagnosed with a viral upper respiratory infection, while testing negative for influenza and COVID-19. Though patients continue to be treated following an orthopedic or soft tissue injury, the prevalence has been trending down.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Viral upper respiratory infection and strep throat are going around.”