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, COVID, RSV, Norovirus, stomach viruses, pneumonia
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“Lots of flu A. There are also stomach bugs (viral gastroenteritis) going around this week. I think a big thing to reiterate with the flu this year is that the symptoms are lasting for about 2 weeks and that the cough is the last symptom to resolve. Also, seeing the measles outbreak in Texas, including the first death from measles in years, should be a reminder to keep kiddos updated on vaccinations. If you don’t have a regular pediatrician, reach out to us or your local health department can help direct you to a local vaccine site, which are often free.”
Sannid Saleh, RN -- Emergency Director for DMC’s Adult Central Campus in Detroit
“Emergency departments in Detroit are seeing a rise in seasonal illnesses, with flu cases still high, alongside COVID-19 and RSV. While COVID-19 cases have decreased slightly, flu activity remains a significant concern. Norovirus is also contributing to the surge in visits, putting additional strain on healthcare facilities. But as always DMC stays ready to treat all patients with speed and quality. Wait times are kept to under 15 minutes in the Emergency Department lobbies at DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital and DMC Harper University Hospital.”
Dr. Asha Shajahan -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“Influenza A is still going around. That is what I am seeing most. Patients are also coming in for weight loss management, prediabetes, high cholesterol, arthritis, and osteoarthritis.”
Dr. Marcus DeGraw -- Pediatrician, Henry Ford St. John Children’s Hospital
“We continue to see plenty of RSV and influenza (mostly type A) and lots of upper respiratory infections and asthma flare ups.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“COVID, flu, RSV and pneumonia continue to impact patients.”
Oakland County – Respiratory viruses, influenza, COVID, Norovirus
Dr. Justin Skrzynski -- Internal Medicine Physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“Right now, in the hospital and the community we’re seeing high numbers of respiratory viruses, namely influenza. With the coming warmer weather, hopefully, we’ll see these numbers drop off quickly, but in the meantime it’s important to be mindful of viral symptoms and to stay home or wear a mask when you’re sick.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“There are a lot of upper respiratory illnesses, specifically influenza A, going around. Influenza A is very contagious. I encourage everyone to get tested, wear a mask if you’re not feeling well, and seek medical care if your symptoms last more than a week. “
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“We’re seeing influenza A (flu) and COVID with lingering coughs and fatigue.
Washtenaw County -- influenza A, Influenza B, secondary pneumonia
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Influenza A and many patients with secondary pneumonia. It is especially hard on those kids at risk for respiratory compromise, including those with chronic illnesses and neurological disorders. RSV and croup are still prevalent. We are seeing an uptick in COVID as well. Lots of college-age kids also have flu-like symptoms, including myalgias, fever, congestion, cough, and many have GI symptoms as well, vomiting and diarrhea with secondary dehydration.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Still seeing a lot of flu on the adult side but also starting to see occasional COVID and RSV. Those were very rare in the last two weeks. There are a lot of “other” URIs. A bit more GI illness this week as well 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, Norovirus
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“In the pediatric population, Influenza A is primarily presenting as a respiratory virus. Common symptoms include a high fever followed by a lingering cough. We are also seeing cases of norovirus, which typically causes significant vomiting and diarrhea. These symptoms generally last one to three days, and most children recover fairly quickly. In adults, Influenza A remains the predominant illness, although norovirus is still circulating, particularly in households with young children. Older adults are experiencing a higher rate of hospitalization due to Flu A. For respiratory illnesses, wearing a mask at home—especially if not everyone in the household is sick—can significantly help prevent the spread. For gastrointestinal illnesses, hand hygiene is imperative!”
Macomb County – Influenza, upper respiratory viruses, sore throats
Dr. Ali Saad -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Patients continue to test positive for influenza A in significantly high volumes, though there are signs that it is leveling off. While not testing positive for the flu, many patients are experiencing similar symptoms — cough, congestion, slight fever — as a result of a viral upper respiratory infection. Winter conditions are still causing many to slip and fall and sustain minor soft tissue or orthopedic traumatic injuries.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Thankfully we’re seeing a decrease in flu cases. Other upper respiratory infections and sore throats are still a concern.”
Livingston County – Respiratory illnesses, influenza, RSV, COVID
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department & Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton
“We continue to see many cases of viral respiratory illness, primarily Influenza A, RSV and some COVID. We are also treating patients who have suffered bone fractures and other injuries related to slip-and-fall accidents.”