What’s Going Around in Metro Detroit: Spring allergies, stomach viruses, asthma flare-ups

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 – Norovirus, stomach viruses, colds, RSV, spring allergies, asthma flare-ups.

Dr. Ayed Mahmoud

Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician

“We have seen a recent decrease in respiratory illnesses, although we are still seeing some cases of influenza and RSV, particularly with the recent changes in weather. We have also continued to care for several motor vehicle accidents, especially during sudden weather shifts that create icy road conditions.”

Dr. Kevin Dazy

Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

“RSV infections are still prevalent but seem to finally be on the decline. We’re still seeing other common cold viruses leading to upper respiratory infections and asthma exacerbations. We’re also seeing higher-than-normal viral gastroenteritis cases with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea.”

Dr. Ali J. Bazzi

Pediatrician, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital

“We are still in the thick of RSV season. We are seeing stomach bugs in the clinic as well. With the recent fluctuations in the weather, we are seeing flares in seasonal allergies and asthma.”

Dr. Christopher Loewe

Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital

“We are seeing a lot of cases of Norovirus, which is a highly contagious virus that can spread quickly and cause dehydration.”

OAKLAND COUNTY— RSV, spring allergies, upper respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, sports injuries.

Dr. Steve McGraw

Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield/Novi

“Still seeing viral URIs and GI diseases but also seasonal allergies are starting - sneezing, congestion and sinus pain. Sports injuries from Baseball and Track starting, too.

It’s early -but it is important to take your time easing into physical activity outdoors. Remember to stretch, warm up and build strength/endurance over a few days. Wear bike helmets when riding and kids will do so as well.”

Dr. Matthew Compton

Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital, Commerce Township

“We’re still seeing a good amount of viral upper respiratory infections, especially RSV. We have started to see seasonal injuries, orthopedic and otherwise, as the weather allows more people to get outside.”

Dr. Josh Newblatt

Pine Knob Urgent Care

“Seeing resurgence of GI related illness with continued influenza and other viral upper respiratory illnesses.”

Dr. Whitney Minnock

Pediatric Chief of Emergency at Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak

“We are still seeing a smattering of respiratory and GI viruses.”

Rochester Hills CVS Pharmacy

Amirreza Gharagozlou, Pharmacy Manager

• We are seeing a significant influx of upper respiratory symptoms. Most patients are presenting with persistent congestion, runny nose, sore throat, and coughs that range from dry and hacking to productive. Beyond symptom management, there is a sustained demand for diagnostic clarity, with frequent requests for both influenza and COVID-19 rapid tests to rule out more serious viral infections.
• There is a clear trend toward multi-symptom relief and seasonal maintenance. Popular requests include pseudoephedrine for heavy congestion, Mucinex DM for cough suppression, and Claritin as we transition into allergy season. We’ve also noticed a steady uptick in gastrointestinal needs, ranging from daily acid reducers like Prilosec to more specialized bowel prep such as Miralax.
• Our interactions at the pharmacy counter go far beyond simply handing over a box of medicine. For instance, someone asking for a cold medication may actually need guidance on whether their symptoms are more consistent with allergies, or whether a decongestant is safe given their blood pressure. This interaction highlights how important it is for us to ask open-ended questions and assess before recommending products to customers.

WASHTENAW COUNTY – Croup, stomach viruses, RSV, upper respiratory infections, influenza.

Dr. Brad Uren

Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine

“There’s been a slight increase in GI illness with nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. We are still seeing occasional upper respiratory infections, flu, covid, and RSV, although they are all down this week compared to previous week.

Dr. Stuart Bradin

Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine

“Lots of croup and GI illness. We have also seen RSV and human rhino enterovirus.”

Washtenaw County Health Department

“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently elevated but appear to be decreasing. Influenza A wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Influenza B wastewater detection is currently at low 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.”

LIVINGSTON COUNTY – Outdoor injuries, Covid, influenza, respiratory illnesses.

Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center

“We are seeing outdoor related orthopedic injuries, trips, falls, and lacerations. We also continue to treat patients dealing with COVID, the flu, and other respiratory illnesses.”

MONROE COUNTY – Spring allergies, viral illnesses.

Dr. Nicholas Schenk

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency

“This week, we are seeing less viral illnesses and a rise in seasonal allergies as temperatures warm and we move into spring. However, we often see a resurgence of viral illnesses following spring break. We encourage everyone to continue practicing good hand hygiene and cover coughs and sneezes to help reduce the spread of illness.”

MACOMB COUNTY – Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, upper respiratory viruses, strep throat, sinus infections, ear infections.

Craig Keinath

Emergency Physician Assistant at McLaren Macomb

“There has been a slight, though noticeable, late-season increase in viral upper respiratory infections, including the flu, COVID-19, and RSV, affecting all patient populations. The early-spring pollen bloom has led to asthma exacerbation and breathing complications for asthma sufferers. The regional thaw from constant freezing temperatures has significantly reduced falls on ice and other incidents resulting in various injuries.”

Dr. Maria Samuel

Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights

“We are continuing to see Influenza A and Covid this week, also seeing a few cases of strep throat.”

Sterling Heights CVS Pharmacy

Danielle Nmair, Pharmacy Manager

• Right now seasonally with the weather in Michigan going up and down and just finishing up flu season, I’ve been seeing many scripts for allergies, cough and antibiotics for sinus infection, respiratory infection, ear infections.
• Most OTC products patients ask for are for cough and cold/allergy medications for adults and children. The multitude of products can be overwhelming and confusing for patients to choose from depending on the symptoms they are presenting with. Other products frequently asked about are vitamins/supplements, pain/headaches, sleep aids and GI upset/constipation. Trends emerging right now are people looking for more natural/clean ingredient products.

Clinton Township CVS Pharmacy

Danio Awrow, Pharmacy Manager

• We’re seeing a lot of the usual seasonal allergies, with patients coming in with symptoms like runny noses, itchy or watery eyes, and postnasal drip. In addition, many people are coming in with cough, congestion, sore throat, and sinus pressure, which seem to be increasing right now.
• Right now, patients are most often asking about cold and flu medications, allergy relief products, cough and throat remedies, pain relievers, and digestive aids. One trend I have noticed is a growing interest in natural, organic, or non-medicated options, with many patients specifically seeking alternatives to traditional medications.
• Many patients feel overwhelmed in the OTC aisle, especially when faced with multiple products that contain the same active ingredients but are marketed differently. At the same time, I’ve noticed increased awareness around medication safety, as more patients are asking whether OTC options are safe to take alongside their current prescriptions. Overall, there’s a strong preference for convenience and quick relief, but patients still highly value pharmacist recommendation when it comes to selecting the most appropriate product.

Clinton Township CVS Pharmacy

Yousif Shamoon, Pharmacy Manager

• The most common illnesses that are seen in the community pharmacy are influenza and other upper respiratory infections, worse during the winter months. Patients frequently come into the pharmacy and present with symptoms such as fever, cough, sore throat, nasal congestion, and a runny nose. These lead to an increase in the demand for antihistamine, intranasal steroids, and cough suppressing medications.
• Patients are frequently asking for these multisymptom products and decongestants or nasal sprays for congestion. Many patients are trying to manage symptoms at home using over the counter products.
• A common pattern in recent patient interactions is that many people are coming in after symptoms have already been present for a few days and asking if OTC products will still help. Lots of these patients unknowingly request for antibiotics while their symptoms follow viral patterns. Also, many patients are also trying to stay at work or school during their illness, and commonly request non-drowsy forms of medications.

Clinton Township CVS Pharmacy

Daniel Scheltema, CVS Pharmacist & District Leader, Emerging Leader

• With the changing weather, I’m seeing a rise in respiratory illnesses. Patients often present with similar symptoms that could be related to a common cold, flu, COVID, RSV, or other infections.
• The most frequently requested OTC products are cold and flu remedies, along with COVID/flu testing kits. Patients commonly ask what works best for symptoms like cough, runny nose, and sore throat, especially when it comes to safe and effective options for children.
• There continues to be a noticeable amount of misinformation surrounding vaccines, particularly regarding safety. Many patients are also unsure about which vaccines are currently recommended and how often they should receive them. Additionally, I get frequent questions about when it’s appropriate to manage symptoms at home versus seeking care from a PCP or urgent care.

Shelby Township CVS Pharmacy

Nina Grubba, CVS Pharmacist

• We are seeing a heavy overlap between seasonal allergies and lingering upper respiratory infections. Many patients are reporting a “dry, persistent cough” that lasts upwards of two weeks, often outliving their other cold symptoms.
• A recurring theme lately is the “informed” patient who comes in with niche supplement requests found on social media or TV commercials. Much of our consultation time is currently spent on safety-checking these against their current prescriptions and managing expectations.
• On a more personal note, it has been incredibly heartening to hear patients express how much they value and trust our input as pharmacists. They frequently mention that they appreciate having a knowledgeable healthcare professional who is easily accessible for immediate, reliable advice without the need for an appointment.

Shelby Township CVS Pharmacy

Stephanie Singles, Pharmacy Manager

• Most often seeing coughs this season, we have been dispensing more cough syrups rx than in past seasons
• Pseudoephedrine products are being sold much more than usual the past 3 months - very rarely have I seen so many get sold out. Many customers in the store stop and ask about their symptoms and these are the products I end up recommending as well.
• I’ve had many interactions with patients that seem to have viral illnesses with a lingering cough - from children to the elderly. I’ve seen repeat rx for steroids and cough syrups to help control.