As October begins, Metro Detroit communities are experiencing a noticeable increase in respiratory illnesses, including common colds, influenza, and COVID-19, according to local doctors and hospitals. Alongside these viral infections, healthcare providers are also seeing a rise in seasonal allergies and asthma flare-ups attributed to changing weather conditions.
A Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician reported a significant uptick in respiratory illnesses at their emergency department, marking the start of the respiratory virus season. Similarly, the Emergency Department at DMC Harper University Hospital noted its first influenza case this week in a patient with recent travel history. These observations serve as a timely reminder for residents to get their annual flu shot, practice frequent hand washing, and stay home when feeling ill to help curb the spread of infections.
Further indicating the spread, the Emergency Center chief at Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital confirmed that influenza A is now circulating in the community, along with an increase in strep throat cases among children. A Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine also noted many respiratory illnesses, including asthma, croup, and COVID-19, along with some cases of influenza and gastrointestinal illness. A Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Michigan Medicine added that a fair amount of upper respiratory infections, including human rhinoenterovirus and COVID, have been observed in the past week.
Pediatric centers are also seeing increased activity. The Medical Director of Pediatric Hospital Medicine at Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan, based in Dearborn, reported fairly severe cases of gastroenteritis. Symptoms for these cases are lasting seven to ten days and have, in some instances, led to dehydration. While this facility has not yet seen RSV or flu cases, one mild COVID-19 case was noted last week. At Children’s Hospital of Michigan, a pediatrician observed "tons of allergies and asthmas flares" due to weather changes, along with eczema flares, which are seasonal for some children. Upper respiratory infections are also starting to become more prevalent as children return to school, though flu has not yet appeared in clinic.
At ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center, staff are seeing a mix of COVID-19 infections, seasonal allergies, viral sore throats, and tonsillitis across all age groups. They recommend staying up to date on vaccinations, practicing good hand hygiene, and staying home when sick to reduce the spread of respiratory illnesses. This facility also described a viral upper respiratory infection that has brought several patients to the emergency department with traditional symptoms like a persistent cough and slight fever, combined with gastrointestinal distress causing vomiting. The Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center are also currently seeing an uptick in viral gastrointestinal illnesses. For these GI issues, many cases can be managed at home with rest and hydration, but individuals should seek medical attention if symptoms are severe, persistent, or if signs of dehydration, such as dizziness, appear. The changing and fluctuating weather has also led to mild complications for asthma sufferers and exacerbated symptoms for those with chronic lung conditions.
According to the Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Michigan Medicine, influenza cases among Washtenaw County residents are currently at moderate levels. Wastewater detection for influenza A and B is presently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. The most recent MDHHS MI Flu Focus report indicates that influenza A H3N2 is currently dominating the 2026-2027 influenza season. Healthcare providers consistently advise residents to ensure their inhalers and other asthma medications are current and readily available, especially with the weather-related triggers. Furthermore, ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital's Emergency Center advises contacting a healthcare provider for guidance if symptoms worsen or become severe. It was also noted by ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital that a broad patient population continues to come to the emergency and trauma center in significant volumes for treatment of various traumatic orthopedic and soft tissue injuries.
