11 Illnesses Making Their Way Through Michigan

It's that time of year in Michigan.

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It seems like every other person you know is sick with something. And don't even get me started on kids. I had to pick up my little from daycare this week because she was sick, and the daycare mentioned that they had been sending about one to two kids home everyday that week.

Illnesses Going Through Michigan

That being said, there are a few illnesses going around that you should really be on the lookout for. Thankfully, there are some preventative measures and steps that you can take to help prevent these illnesses.

Dr. Paul Entler, Chief Medical Officer for Sparrow Health, encourages people (especially those who are elderly, pregnant, young children, or those who have compromised immune systems), to get vaccinated. "She also encourages hand washing, cleaning contaminated areas, and wearing a mask if needed."

RSV (repiratory syncytial virus)

Respiratory syncytial (sin-SISH-uhl) virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that usually causes mild, cold-like symptoms. Most people recover in a week or two, but RSV can be serious. Infants and older adults are more likely to develop severe RSV and need hospitalization.

 

Bronchiolitis

Bronchiolitis is a common lung infection in young children and infants. It causes swelling and irritation and a buildup of mucus in the small airways of the lung. These small airways are called bronchioles. Bronchiolitis is almost always caused by a virus. Bronchiolitis starts out with symptoms much like a common cold. But then it gets worse, causing coughing and a high-pitched whistling sound when breathing out called wheezing.

Influenza

Flu is a contagious respiratory illness caused by influenza viruses that infect the nose, throat, and sometimes the lungs. It can cause mild to severe illness, and at times can lead to death. Symptoms include fever, cough, sore throat, runny/stuffy nose, muscle or body aches, headaches, fatigue, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Cough

A cough that persists for several weeks or one that brings up discolored or bloody mucus may indicate a condition that needs medical attention.

 

Covid-19

Most people infected with the virus will experience mild to moderate respiratory illness and recover without requiring special treatment. However, some will become seriously ill and require medical attention.

 

Croup

Croup refers to an infection of the upper airway, which becomes narrow, making it harder to breathe. Croup also causes a cough that sounds like barking.

 

Enterovirus

Enteroviruses (en-teh-roe-VY-rus-sez) are a common cause of infection in people of all ages, with symptoms that can range from mild to serious. Most enterovirus infections happen in the summer and fall.

 

Viral Illnesses causing vomiting and diarrhea

Viral gastroenteritis is an intestinal infection that includes signs and symptoms such as watery diarrhea, stomach cramps, nausea or vomiting, and sometimes fever.

 

Strep Throat

Strep throat is a bacterial infection that can make your throat feel sore and scratchy. Strep throat accounts for only a small portion of sore throats. If untreated, strep throat can cause complications, such as kidney inflammation or rheumatic fever. Rheumatic fever can lead to painful and inflamed joints, a specific type of rash, or heart valve damage.

 

Ear Infections

An ear infection (sometimes called acute otitis media) is an infection of the middle ear, the air-filled space behind the eardrum that contains the tiny vibrating bones of the ear. Children are more likely than adults to get ear infections.

 

Upper Respiratory Infections

An upper respiratory infection affects the upper part of your respiratory system, including your sinuses and throat. Upper respiratory infection symptoms include a runny nose, sore throat and cough. Treatment for upper respiratory infections often includes rest, fluids and over-the-counter pain relievers. Infections usually go away on their own.