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, RSV, stomach viruses, Norovirus, weather-related slip & fall injuries
Dr. Jonathan Lovy -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital
“We’re seeing a significant surge in influenza cases—particularly the H1N1 (‘swine flu’) strain—which appears to be more severe than in past seasons and is often accompanied by gastrointestinal symptoms. At the same time, RSV has also been on the rise, causing prolonged hospital stays for some patients. We strongly recommend getting both the flu and RSV vaccines to reduce the risk of severe illness and hospitalization.”
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re definitely still seeing a ton of influenza A. It’s not too late to get children as young as six months vaccinated for flu, especially given the prevalence in the community. Still a lot of viral bronchiolitis in babies, infants and toddlers, and asthma flares in older kids, probably from some of the same viruses.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“Viral illnesses, including norovirus, influenza, COVID, and RSV, continue to impact patients. We’re also seeing a lot of slip and fall injuries from the snow and ice like lacerations, sprains, and fractures.“
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“We’re seeing a lot of gastroenteritis (stomach flu). Be sure to wash your hands regularly and keep them out of your mouth. There’s also been a lot of slip and falls. It’s icy out there. Be careful!”
Oakland County – Influenza, stomach viruses, weather-related slip & fall injuries, hypothermia, COVID, Norovirus
Dr. Matthew Compton -- DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital Chief of Emergency Medicine
“We’re very busy with flu! We’re seeing primarily respiratory and gastrointestinal infectious illness. It’s affecting all ages and keeping us very busy. Our flu patients’ typical symptoms are fever, cough, and difficulty breathing. Patients with comorbid conditions are more likely to be hospitalized, especially the elderly. But the majority are able to be treated at home.”
Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital
“Lots of influenza A (flu) and gastrointestinal viruses going around. Plus, some people are coming down with shingles after recovering from another illness. Stay mindful of your health, and don’t forget about home safety, too! Make sure your carbon monoxide detectors are working, and if you’re using extra heat, only use appliances that are safe for indoor use.”
Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“There has been lots of influenza A. We’ve also had a ton of slip and falls come into the ED. Lastly, there have been a couple of hypothermia-related issues as well.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“Influenza A (flu) is at a very high level!”
Washtenaw County – Influenza, viral myositis, RSV, COVID, stomach viruses, adenoviruses
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Flu is still very prevalent, and many kids have secondary myositis, which is an inflammation of the muscles that cause significant leg pain and the achiness that is often associated with influenza. The flu incidence and severity in pediatrics especially is concerning with at least 57 pediatric deaths in the US to date and 2 reported in Michigan. We are still seeing RSV and COVID, though not as many cases as last week. There is an increase in adenovirus- especially in the college-age population, and GI illness is still around as well.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Flu activity remains high. This week we’ve also seen a few COVID cases and a lot of URIs and influenza-like illnesses. A few more people with GI symptoms compared to last week.”
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, RSV, weather-related slip & fall injuries
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We continue to see a high number of Influenza A cases in the ED, along with COVID and RSV. These illnesses are impacting people of all ages, but they seem to be affecting the older and school-age populations the most. Many older adults are requiring hospitalization for a few days. Common symptoms include fever, headache, cough, sore throat, and a stuffy nose, with symptoms typically lasting 7-10 days. Additionally, with the recent increase in snow and ice, we’ve seen a rise in falls and injuries related to shoveling snow. We advise everyone to wash their hands thoroughly and frequently and to stay home if they are feeling sick. If you must go out while sick, please wear a mask to help prevent the spread of the virus.”
Macomb County – Influenza, COVID, prolonged cough, stomach viruses, weather-related slip & fall injuries
Dr. Melissa Rivers -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Following weeks of increasing flu volumes, patients testing positive for influenza A continues to climb, presenting with symptoms of fever, persistent cough, and muscle aches, while some have experienced vomiting. Flu-related hospital admissions have also been trending higher. The number of patients testing positive for COVID-19 has been trending down since weeks of steady, moderate volumes. Though viral gastroenteritis has been relatively inactive when compared to previous cold seasons, cases are starting to trend up, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The snow and icy conditions of recent weeks have resulted in a significant increase in slip-and-falls, causing traumatic soft tissue and orthopedic injuries.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We continue to see influenza A (flu) cases and other viral Infections. Some patients are also experiencing prolonged coughs from infections like COVID and flu. Your best defense is to get your recommended vaccinations, wash your hands, stay home, and avoid contact with others if you are not feeling well.”
Livingston County – Respiratory illnesses, influenza
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department & Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton
“Respiratory issues remain the most common cases we’ve encountered this week, with Influenza A still posing a concern as well. Due to the frigid temperatures this week, we advise limiting time outdoors as much as possible to reduce the risk of illness.”