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, strep throat, COVID, RSV, pneumonia, asthma flare-ups
Dr. Erin Brennan -- Emergency Physician, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital
“Flu A – lots of it! We’re also seeing some pneumonia and asthma exacerbations. We’re not seeing as much diarrhea. We don’t specifically test for norovirus, so anyone with nausea and vomiting could still have it. But lots of the nausea/vomiting patients have been flu positive.”
Dr. Tonya Touchstone -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re seeing a lot of influenza, some strep throat, and a few COVID cases. We’re actually seeing some really sick kids with flu. It’s really not too late to get the flu shot this season.”
Dr Zafar Shamoon -- Emergency Medicine Chief, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We are still seeing a lot of RSV, especially in the pediatric population. Minor colds, asthma exacerbation, and weather-related slip and falls.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“We are continuing to see a lot of flu, RSV, and some cases of croup (upper respiratory infection) in the pediatric emergency room. “
Oakland County – Upper respiratory infections, RSV, influenza, COVID, stomach viruses, colds
Sarah Rauner -- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of upper respiratory infections. RSV and influenza seem to be the majority. However, there is still some COVID and others we don’t typically test for. We are seeing cases of vomiting, diarrhea, and fevers as well that lead to dehydration and abdominal cramping. Please wash your hands, cover your coughs, and stay home if you are feverish or still not feeling well.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“I am still seeing cold, flu, and gastrointestinal viruses (stomach flu) in patients. To help prevent these, it’s important to practice good hand hygiene, avoid close contact with people who are sick, maintain a healthy diet, stay hydrated, and consider getting the flu vaccine. “
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“Cases of influenza A (flu) are high while we’re seeing some cases of influenza B (flu) and COVID.”
Washtenaw County – Influenza, COVID, RSV, bronchiolitis, croup, stomach viruses
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We continue to see an increase in flu activity. COVID is still present as are other respiratory viruses. Not as much GI activity this week. Some of the patients with flu that require emergency department care have comorbidities such as asthma or COPD causing them more significant breathing difficulties. Although some have required admission, most of the URI patients discharged. We have seen slips and falls due to sudden icing that occurred in the last few days. No significant cold weather injury visits are occurring currently.”
Monroe County – Influenza, COVID, RSV, bronchiolitis, croup, stomach viruses
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing a lot of flu activity, with several patients requiring admission. Some admitted patients have preexisting conditions, some are otherwise healthy.
COVID and other respiratory infections remain high. We are seeing patients with co-infections of multiple URI viruses in some cases as well. The GI activity remains at low to moderate levels on the adult side. It is also worth mentioning that the community levels of all of these conditions are likely quite high. In the ED, we see only the tip of the iceberg, with those who feel especially ill, or those with conditions that require special consideration, such as immune suppression from cancer/chemotherapy, transplants, etc.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing lots of bronchiolitis due to RSV, as well as large numbers of Influenza A and cases of croup. COVID is still prevalent, and we are seeing many patients with pneumonia. GI illness is here as well, with many patients having vomiting, crampy abdominal pain, and diarrhea.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at high levels. Cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw County are influenza A. Influenza A wastewater detection is currently at high levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Influenza B wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
Monroe County – Influenza, COVID, stomach viruses
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“Influenza cases continue to rise this week, while COVID-19 cases have decreased. We’ve also seen an increase in gastrointestinal viruses among younger children. Be sure to wash your hands thoroughly and practice social distancing when you can to help reduce the spread.”
Macomb County – Influenza, RSV, Covid, stomach viruses
Dr. Brianne Waggoner -- Emergency Physician, McLaren Macomb
“There has been a significant increase in patients testing positive for influenza, which has been the most common reason for seeking care in the emergency department, presenting with symptoms of fever, body aches, persistent cough, and congestion. While it had been a common illness among pediatric patients this season, more adults are starting to test positive for RSV and symptoms of cough, runny nose, congestion, and fever. Similar to other viral respiratory infections, there has been a slight, though noticeable, uptick in patients testing positive for COVID-19. Though not trending significantly high, there has been a slight increase of patients experience the nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea symptomatic of gastroenteritis.”
Dr. Dhairya Kiri -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Richmond
“We have been seeing an uptick in influenza A cases this week.”
Livingston County – Influenza, RSV, Norovirus, COVID
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department & Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton
“We continue to see patients dealing with Influenza A, RSV, and Norovirus. Fortunately, COVID cases have been decreasing over the past week.”