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, strep throat, stomach viruses, weather-related falls, breathing problems, hypothermia
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“We have seen a noticeable rise in cold-related cases including hypothermia, particularly among elderly patients and individuals experiencing homelessness. We’re also seeing increased respiratory difficulties linked to cold, dry air. Patients are advised to use humidifiers at home, stay well hydrated, and limit prolonged cold exposure; those with asthma should ensure regular use of controller inhalers, carry rescue inhalers, and avoid cold air triggers when possible. Viral upper respiratory infections also remain common, so hand hygiene, masking when symptomatic, rest, and staying home when ill are strongly encouraged. Finally, icy conditions have led to more slip-and-fall injuries; wearing proper footwear with good traction, walking cautiously, using handrails, and avoiding icy surfaces when possible can help reduce the risk of falls.”
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth
“We’ve been seeing a of viral URIs, and it seems as though influenza cases are starting to decline. There’s still COVID out there as well as strep pharyngitis (strep throat). We’re also seeing a lot of viral gastroenteritis; I can’t stress the value of handwashing enough! As expected, there are cold related injuries such as slips and falls as well as cold exposure. We all need to be mindful of the frigid temperatures and be diligent about covering all exposed skin with dry clothing, also limiting our time outdoors. As always, if sick, especially with URI symptoms, consider wearing a mask in indoor public places to prevent the spread of disease.”
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“Flu is on the decrease. RSV is slowly ticking up. We’re still seeing a lot of strep throat. And there is some type of viral vomiting illness. We don’t test for what it is, but a lot of kids are coming in with vomiting and diarrhea. Keeping them hydrated is the most important thing. Zofran is an anti-nausea/vomiting medicine that’s effective for kids, and if families can get that early on from their pediatrician, it will prevent dehydration.”
Dr. Jaime Hope -- Medical Director, Emergency Center, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Outpatient Center – Livonia
“There’s still a lot of the flu going around, plus risk of cold-related injuries from shoveling and being outside. Also, there’s risk for carbon monoxide exposure using certain types of grills and heaters indoors. The symptoms can look a lot like the flu, so it’s easy to miss.”
Dr. Candace Kimpson -- Chief of Emergency, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
“We’ve had some slip and falls, some people getting sprains and some breaking bones. We’ve had a lot of respiratory issues: COPD, asthma and bronchitis. I think the cold has something to do with that.”
OAKLAND COUNTY— Influenza, strep throat, COVID, slip & fall injuries, RSV, stomach viruses
Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield/Novi
“Both Southfield and Novi continue to see Flu, but the volume presenting to the ER has begun to level off. The best way to protect yourself from the flu is to get your flu shot, if you haven’t already. We are seeing a lot of GI viruses causing diarrhea and vomiting. Wash hands frequently and come in if the symptoms cause blood in the stool or children display dehydration signs (decreased urinary output, lethargy or listlessness). We are continuing to see falls and injuries due to ice. Keep up to date with shoveling and use salt as needed, especially on steps and inclined surfaces. Make sure to walk in thick soled boots when ice/snow cover walks. Look out for pets, elderly, and vulnerable in our communities. Dress in layers, stay hydrated and take frequent breaks while shoveling snow.”
Dr. Josh Newblatt -- Pine Knob Urgent Care in Clarkston
“Still seeing a high number of influenza. Influenza A in higher numbers than B. COVID is out there but not to level as influenza. Have seen an upward trend in GI related illness leading to vomiting and diarrhea. In this time of extreme cold temperatures we need to remember to dress for the elements by layering up and remaining dry. “
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We’re seeing a continued uptick in URI/flu-like symptoms and a few cold-related slip-and-fall injuries, particularly among older adults. No significant frostbite or hypothermia cases, though cold exposure and slippery conditions remain a concern. Stay safe and warm!”
Dr. Adam Haezebrouck -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Rochester
“We continue to see slip and fall injuries in relation to wrist, ankle, and hip fractures associated with head injuries. Strep and COVID are being seen fairly consistently, and we continue to see a reduction in Influenza A and B cases.”
Dr. Whitney Minnock -- Pediatric Chief of Emergency at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“We’ve been seeing a lot of influenza, RSV and GI bugs.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Upper respiratory infections, influenza, COVID, RSV, pneumonia, stomach viruses, dehydration
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“This week we’re continuing to see a lot of upper respiratory infections relative to last week. There is a little less flu and a little more COVID.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing several cases of flu as well as RSV, COVID, pneumonia. There have also been GI illnesses leading to secondary dehydration.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at high levels. Influenza A and B wastewater detection is currently at high levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. According to the most recent MDHHS MI Flu Focus report, Influenza A H3N2 is currently dominating the 2025-2026 influenza season. Influenza-related deaths in Washtenaw County adults have been reported this flu season. All individuals were confirmed with Influenza A.”
MONROE COUNTY – Viral illnesses, influenza, COVID, strep throat
Dr. Laura Grima -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“Over the past few weeks, we have seen a decline in COVID-19 and influenza cases across all age groups. However, Strep pharyngitis (strep throat) remains elevated in both children and adults. While viral illnesses are slightly trending downward, please continue to practice good hand hygiene, and if you are feeling sick, stay home when possible to help prevent further spread. It also remains beneficial to stay up to date on influenza and COVID vaccinations, as they will provide protection against severe illness.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Influenza, COVID, RSV, pneumonia, breathing problems, colds, weather-related falls
Dr. Joseph Carlier -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“The volume of patients testing positive for influenza continues to be exceptionally high, but there are signs that those cases have plateaued and starting to decrease. There continue to be various viruses circulating and causing illness, including COVID-19 and RSV, though those positive tests have not been reported in significant volumes. While not yet being reported and treated in high patient volumes, pneumonia and symptoms of fever, cough, and breathing complications, is becoming a more common diagnosis. The extreme cold has led many patients to seek care for complications or flare-ups of chronic conditions, especially those involving the lungs.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Flu and COVID cases seem to be trending this week, but we are continuing to see viral colds. Be careful outside in the cold and icy environments; we have seen a few slip and falls recently.”