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 – Colds, COVID, stomach viruses, rashes, hand foot & mouth disease, upper respiratory infections, asthma flare-ups, seasonal allergies.
Dr. Jonathan Lovy -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital
“Over the past week, we’ve seen more colds and some COVID as kids head back to school, along with stomach bugs and rashes. Flu and RSV are still low, but we expect them to rise as fall progresses. The CDC continues to recommend the flu vaccine for everyone six months and older, and flu shots are especially important this time of year. COVID vaccine guidance has changed—it’s strongly recommended for older adults and people with health conditions, while for children and pregnant women it’s now a shared decision to be made with your doctor. The basics still matter: wash hands, stay home when sick, and keep asthma action plans ready.”
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“This past week, we have seen an increase in pediatric patients presenting with rashes, most commonly linked to viral infections, allergic reactions or contact irritants. Families are encouraged to practice good hand hygiene, avoid sharing personal items, and seek care if rashes are accompanied by fever or spreading rapidly. We are also entering the respiratory season, especially for children, with more cases of viral infections such as RSV, flu and common colds. Parents can help reduce spread by ensuring children are up to date on vaccinations, encouraging frequent handwashing, and keeping sick kids home from school or daycare.”
Dr. Daniel Taylor -- Specialist-in-Chief, Emergency, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
“Viral season is starting to pick up, with the kids back in school. Also, over the holiday and with the better weather, we’ve seen minor trauma-related injuries: falls, extremity injuries.”
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’ve been seeing some hand-foot-mouth virus, a case COVID and viral upper respiratory infections. We’re also still seeing asthma and allergy flares.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“More kids are being seen for football related injuries this week. And for the first time in my career, I saw a case of influenza A in a child.”
OAKLAND COUNTY— Strep throat, hand foot & mouth disease, colds, influenza, COVID.
Dr. Asha Shajahan -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
“We are currently seeing an increase in cases of strep throat, hand, foot, and mouth disease, and the common cold. These trends are likely influenced by seasonal changes prompting more indoor activity, as well as the return of children to school environments—both of which contribute to elevated transmission of common viral illnesses.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“COVID cases are on the rise this week. Be sure to wear a mask, wash hands, and stay home if you’re sick or have symptoms.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“We are seeing influenza B and COVID cases this week. The best line of defense is to get vaccinated.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Upper respiratory infections, COVID, stomach viruses, croup, hand foot & mouth disease, asthma flare-ups, influenza.
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Lots of croup, hand foot and mouth disease, human rhino enterovirus, asthma and orthopedic trauma. There are some COVID and GI illness. In older college-aged kids we’re seeing a few cases of influenza.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“There’s a general uptick in both URIs, including COVID, as well as GI and diarrheal illnesses this week.”
MONROE COUNTY – Upper respiratory viruses, COVID, seasonal allergies.
Dr. Laura Grima -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“We have noticed an uptick in viral upper respiratory infections, including COVID-19, as well as symptoms of allergic rhinitis. Please remember that handwashing remains an important tool in preventing the spread of viruses.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Upper respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, sports injuries.
Dr. Matthew Steck -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“There has been a sharp uptick in the number of patients—mostly in the pediatric population as they return to school—experiencing symptoms of a viral upper respiratory infection, including cough, congestion, sore throat, and runny nose. There has also been a similar increase in viral gastroenteritis. The return of high school and youth sports, along with everyday recreational activities, continue to send patients to the emergency department for the care of various injuries.”