These 7 Illnesses are Going Through Michigan Right Now

It's that time of year in Michigan that no matter where you are, it seems like someone is sick with something.

One person is coughing, another person is sneezing, and let's not even get started with how kids are basically germ magnets.

The CDC reports that cases of RSV, influenza, and COVID-19 are increasing across the country.

Illnesses Going Through Michigan

With all this in mind, it's more important than ever to keep yourself safe and healthy.

If you feel sick, make sure to contact your healthcare provider.

Here's a look at the various illnesses making their way through Michigan, their symptoms, and what you can do to say healthy.

COVID-19

COVID-19 most often causes respiratory symptoms that can feel much like a cold, the flu, or pneumonia. COVID-19 may attack more than your lungs and respiratory system. Other parts of your body may also be affected by the disease. Most people with COVID-19 have mild symptoms, but some people become severely ill.

This disease is highly contagious and can spread quickly. Getting vaccinated will help protect you against COVID-19. See a health care provider if your symptoms are persistent.

Influenza (flu)

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.

If you're suffering from the flu, drink plenty of liquids, rest, and take acetaminophen or ibuprofen.

Norovirus

Norovirus is a very contagious virus that causes vomiting and diarrhea. It is sometimes called the "stomach flu" or the "stomach bug." However, norovirus illness is not related to the flu. The flu is caused by the influenza virus. Norovirus causes acute gastroenteritis, an inflammation of the stomach or intestines. Most people with norovirus illness get better within 1 to 3 days; but they can still spread the virus for a few days after.

To help spread this illness, wash hands well and often, clean and disinfect contaminated surfaces, and stay home for at least two days after symptoms stop. The main thing you need to do with norovirus is stay hydrated, and seek medical attention if dehydration becomes severe.

Pertussis (whooping cough)

Whooping cough (pertussis) is a highly contagious respiratory tract infection. In many people, it's marked by a severe hacking cough followed by a high-pitched intake of breath that sounds like "whoop."

Symptoms include runny nose, nasal congestion, red, watery eyes, fever, and a distinct sounding cough. You should see a doctor if your symptoms progress to vomiting, turning red or blue in the facing, struggling to breathe or have pauses in breathing, or there's a whooping sound during inhaling air.

Pneumonia 

Pneumonia is an infection that inflames the air sacs in one or both lungs. The air sacs may fill with fluid or pus (purulent material), causing cough with phlegm or pus, fever, chills, and difficulty breathing.

If you have any of these symptoms, you should see your doctor is you have difficulty breathing, chest pain, or a persistent fever (102 and higher) or cough (especially if there's pus).

RSV (respiratory syncytial virus)

Respiratory syncytial virus, or RSV, is a common respiratory virus that infects the nose, throat, and lungs. RSV symptoms make it difficult to distinguish it from the common cold or other respiratory viruses (like the flu or COVID-19). RSV spreads in the fall and winter along with other respiratory viruses. It usually peaks in December and January.

If you experience this illness, you may need additional oxygen, IV fluids, or intubation (have a breathing tube inserted through the mouth and down to the airway-with mechanical ventilation-a machine to help a person breathe).

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.

Symptoms include throat pain, painful swallowing, red and swollen tonsils, tiny red spots at the back of the throat, swollen lymph nodes in your neck, and other flu/cold-like symptoms. You should see a doctor if you suspect you have strep throat.