Viral diseases, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and allergies

Here's our weekly roundup of the diseases most prevalent in metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.

Wayne County – Viral diseases, pneumonia, upper respiratory tract infections, asthma and allergies, cold

Dr. Tiffney Widner – Pediatrician, Children's Hospital of Michigan

“Viruses, a lot of viral upper respiratory infections – colds. Asthma and allergy attacks – those who develop asthma in cold weather have problems. We are starting to test more as we enter flu season. Now is the time to get your flu shot! The reason why the flu shot is important is so that we can prevent the complications associated with the flu. We can deal with coughs and fevers, but we are trying to prevent children from being hospitalized and dying from the flu.”

Dr. Jaime Hope – Medical Director, Emergency Medicine, Beaumont Outpatient Campus – Livonia, part of Corewell Health

“We are seeing a lot of the common viruses, including more people testing positive for both COVID and flu. And while the fall weather has been beautiful, we are seeing a lot of injuries from people doing yard work, decorating and playing outside. The activity is very healthy, but it is a good opportunity to remind people to exercise caution when handling ladders and climbing. It's also a good idea to use the buddy system when on a roof. Falling is bad enough… falling and waiting to be found is worse.”

Dr. Erin Brennan – DMC Sinai-Grace and DMC Detroit receive emergency room

“We have a lot of people with viral syndrome and upper respiratory illnesses. It doesn't appear to be COVID or flu. These are everyday, seasonally changing things. The typical chest pains, strokes and breathing difficulties always occur in the background. But this week we are seeing a spike in colds and viruses.”

Oakland County – Strep throat, pneumonia, flu-like illnesses, COVID, breathing problems

Dr. David Donaldson – Emergency Department Director, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

“We see a lot of cases of strep throat. There have also been a lot of pneumonia cases in children recently.”

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Emergency Department

“We saw a lot of falls with fractures this week. We are still seeing respiratory problems and a small increase in Covid positive patients. There were also patients who presented with stroke symptoms, chest pain and many pain complaints.”

Washtenaw County – Upper respiratory viruses, COVID, influenza, rhino-enterovirus, stomach viruses, norovirus

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

“I still see a lot of upper respiratory viruses. Some Covid and some flu. We don't test everyone with cold symptoms, but among those tested, human rhino-enterovirus is currently quite common in adults. There is also a significant increase in gastrointestinal illnesses with vomiting and diarrhea. Some tests were positive for norovirus.”

Washtenaw County Health Department

“Influenza cases among Washtenaw County residents are currently at low levels. Isolated cases of influenza A and influenza B have been reported. Most influenza cases reported in Washtenaw County are influenza B. In both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti, detection of influenza wastewater is currently at low levels.”

Monroe County – Colds, flu, stomach viruses, asthma and allergies

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Emergency Center

“We see patients coming in with complaints of weakness, cold and flu symptoms, and abdominal pain.”

Macomb County – Asthma and allergies, upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, COVID

Dr. James Larkin – Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb

“The late season warm weather has led to a significant increase in patients with complications such as allergies and asthma. Along with the warm temperatures, the number of injuries during outdoor activities has also risen noticeably. After a brief increase, the number of patients complaining of COVID-19 symptoms and testing positive has decreased significantly. Both cases of upper respiratory tract infection and gastroenteritis have declined after weeks of rising levels.”

Livingston County – Stomach viruses, noroviruses, asthma and allergies, cold