Cold season beware of RSV, COVID, pink eye, stomach viruses, say researchers

Winter with cold air is a home for several infections, this season microbes breed causing a rush in hospitals and emergency departments specifically in metro cities.

“COVID is surging in all counties just in time for the holidays,” said MinuteClinic family nurse practitioner Sara Kayser. “Influenza cases are showing their presence as well, and strep throat and URIs are also on the rise.”

WAYNE COUNTY-RSV, Covid, influenza, strep throat, pink eye, coughs.

Dr. Christopher Loewe, Ascension St. John:

“I’m seeing more children with respiratory syncytial virus infection(RSV) and COVID-19. Now is the time to clean frequently touched surfaces such as doorknobs and mobile devices often. Washing your hands will also help protect you from germs. I’m seeing influenza in both kids and adults.”

Dr. Tiffney Widner, Children’s Hospital of Michigan pediatrician:

“With RSV, it is ramping up. But I don’t think we’re having any excessive problems; it’s just a typical season. It doesn’t seem like it’s a lot. We’re also seeing Flu A. Sometimes we’ll see Flu A first then Flu B, sometimes it flips. There’s not a rhyme or reason as to when it pops up, and we treat them the same.

If people think they have flu and they’re looking for a treatment, they should address it early. You need to treat it within two days of symptoms for it to have an effect. So if they have high-risk kiddos, they should be seen by their primary care physician or pediatrician if they have upper respiratory infection symptoms. Then their PCP can determine whether or not they need treatment.”

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

“At Fairlane, we’re seeing more and more COVID-19, consistent with the local/national trends. Also, influenza and RSV numbers are on the rise, along with other viral respiratory illness that we can’t specifically identify as readily. There continues to be a significant amount of strep throat in the community as well. Going into the holiday, consider having home COVID-19 tests available (they’re available from the government) and if you’re feeling ill, please test prior to gathering with family and friends. Many are experiencing milder symptoms with covid, though there are vulnerable populations who continue to be at risk. We’re also seeing more patients requiring hospital admission with influenza. If you’re feeling ill and must go out, please consider wearing a mask around others. For your protection, as your immune system is likely stressed, and to protect those around you. No one wants to be sick during the holidays!”

Dr. Zafar Shamoon, Chief of the Emergency Department, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital, Dearborn:

“We have seen an uptick in RSV in a lot of kids and adults. We’ve also seen a lot of individuals coming in for a common cold/cough. There were a number of slip and fall cases last week with the ice. Now is a good time to check your carbon monoxide detector to make sure it’s working properly.”

OAKLAND COUNTY -– Upper respiratory infections, Covid, influenza, stomach viruses, RSV, mononucleosis.

Dr. Steven McGraw, Chair of Emergency Medicine, Ascension Providence Hospital, Novi & Southfield Campus:

“I’m seeing a large number of patients with upper respiratory infections including COVID-19 as people start to gather over the holidays. I’m also seeing patients with influenzae and stomach flu. A few other illnesses on the rise are strep throat, pneumonia and sinusitis. This is a reminder to wash your hands and get the flu shot. Over the holidays, people should be aware of the amount of alcohol they consume. Our rate of alcohol related accidents increases during this time.”

Dr. Whitney Minnock, Chief of Pediatrics, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak:

“We are seeing a lot of RSV, bronchiolitis and other respiratory viruses at this time. It’s very busy in our pediatric department.”

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Emergency Department:

“Here in the Emergency Department, we are seeing an uptick of fever/flu/COVID-19. We have also seen an increase in the amount of shortness of breath/respiratory issues and some chest pain.”

WASHTENAW COUNTY -– Influenza, RSV, Covid, respiratory viruses, stomach viruses.

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

“Seeing flu, RSV, Covid, and other respiratory viruses this week. Some do require admission to the hospital. Some GI, but not a lot.”

Washtenaw County Health Department:

“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are increasing. Most Influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw County are Influenza A, types A(H1N1) and A(H3). Sporadic cases of Influenza B are being reported. Flu-related hospitalizations of Washtenaw residents are currently increasing.”

MONROE COUNTY –- Shortness of breath, respiratory viruses, influenza, Covid, RSV.

MACOMB COUNTY –- Influenza, stomach viruses, upper respiratory infections, sore throat, Covid, bronchitis.

Dr. Anthony Joslin, Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb:

“There has been a sharp increase in influenza cases, presenting with symptoms of cough, fever, and body aches. The number of positive COVID-19 cases has increased slightly, with the majority of patients experiencing mild, treatable symptoms and not requiring hospitalization. There has been a significant increase cases of viral gastroenteritis and symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea.”

Dr. Maria Samuel, Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights:

“We are seeing various upper respiratory infections, sore throat and especially COVID-19 infections this week. Vaccinated individuals present with less severe symptoms and recover faster, too. Although we are seeing prolonged coughing very frequently.”