Flu, COVID, stomach virus, respiratory viruses, RSV, strep throat

Here’s our weekly look at which diseases are spreading most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.

WAYNE COUNTY – Flu, COVID, strep throat, RSV, mycoplasma pneumonia, asthma flare-ups

Dr. Kevin Dazy – pediatrician at Children’s Hospital of Michigan

“We are definitely experiencing an increase in RSV and seeing many children being hospitalized. We have also seen an increase in Mycoplasma, better known as ‘walking pneumonia’, in recent weeks. And we see that asthma is caused by these weather changes and by cold viruses.”

Dr. Jennifer Stevenson – Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane

“We are officially seeing cases of flu here in Fairlane, along with quite a bit of COVID and strep throat. Most COVID cases are treated on an outpatient basis, but some flu patients are very ill and require admission. Now is a great time to get your flu shot! “

Dr. Brian O’Neil – DMC Detroit receiving physician in the hospital emergency room

“Cold and flu season is coming back and flu seems to be on the rise. Those who are at high risk should get vaccinated. We see a lot of flu. And the change in weather causes homeless people to look for shelter.”

OAKLAND COUNTY – Flu, stomach virus, respiratory viruses, RSV, COVID, mycoplasma pneumonia

Dr. Susan Bork – Director of Operations, Emergency Center, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak

“Autumn is here and its arrival means time to vaccinate against flu. We have seen our first cases of flu, along with a stomach virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea and lasts for a few days.”

Sarah Rauner – Pediatric Nurse, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

“We have seen recent mycoplasma infections stabilize a bit. However, we continue to see a steady increase in our winter respiratory viruses, including some RSV and COVID. We haven’t seen that much flu yet. We also see different types of coughs, including croup, as the weather changes. Strep throat has become slightly more common since the children went back to school. Make sure you wash your hands and teach children to do the same. As always, stay home if you are sick to prevent the spread of germs.”

Dr. Rena Daiza – Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.

This week we continue to see upper respiratory symptoms and asthma due to infections and allergies. Be sure to take medications regularly and consult a doctor if:

• Breathing becomes difficult or you cannot speak complete sentences.

• Inhalers or emergency medication do not help.

• Symptoms worsen quickly or do not improve with treatment.

Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

“We see a lot of falls in the elderly, chest pain, general pain and stroke symptoms.”

WASHTENAW COUNTY – Respiratory diseases, RSV, flu, upper respiratory infections, asthma and COPD flare-ups, stomach viruses

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

“Less COVID this week, but we are seeing an increase in other non-flu, non-COVID upper respiratory infections. These especially cause problems for people with COPD, asthma and other underlying respiratory conditions. We are also seeing a slight increase in gastrointestinal diseases.”

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

“We still have a lot of respiratory diseases. We are starting to see some RSV and flu.”

Washtenaw County Health Department

“Flu cases among Washtenaw County residents are currently at low levels. Sporadic cases of influenza A and influenza B are reported. The majority of influenza cases reported in Washtenaw County are influenza B. Influenza wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”

MONROE COUNTY – Upper respiratory tract infections, cough, colds, stomach viruses

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center

“We see patients with cough and cold symptoms, but also with abdominal pain and diarrhea.”

MACOMB COUNTY – RSV, pneumonia, upper respiratory viruses, colds, COVID

Dr. Brianne Wagoner – Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb

“Multiple pediatric patients with symptoms of fever, cough and sore throat have tested positive for RSV. Pneumonia, which mainly affects pediatric patients, has led to symptoms of cough, fever and respiratory complications. Although they did not test positive for pneumonia or RSV, a common diagnosis was a viral upper respiratory infection that causes symptoms of cough, congestion and runny noses. With the increase in common fall and winter illnesses, patients are not testing positive for influenza.”

Dr. Maria Samuel – Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights/Macomb

“This week we have had patients come in with COVID, pneumonia and colds.”

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Not reported this week