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What’s Going Around: Asthma & COPD flare-ups, influenza, adenovirus, upper respiratory viruses

Here’s our weekly round-up of what illnesses are spreading the most in Metro Detroit communities, according to our local doctors and hospitals.

Wayne County – Asthma & COPD flare-ups, influenza, adenovirus, upper respiratory viruses, outdoor & sports injuries

Dr. Curt Stankovic -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

“We’re still seeing a fair amount of minor and major trauma injuries, which we tend to see more in the summer. Plus, we’re seeing sports injuries on top of that right now – fractures and concussions. No surge of any specific thing, which is kind of unusual for this time of the year. We had a surge of asthmatic patients, but that went away, and we’re not seeing a lot of flu or RSV or respiratory viruses.”

Dr. Luda Khait-Vlisides -- Emergency Physician, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital

“Flu A and Flu B, I’ve seen a couple now – that’s early, and some adenovirus and upper respiratory viruses. I usually don’t get my flu shot until the end of October, but I got mine last week. Not as much COVID as we had been seeing. Strep is on the downtrend, too.”

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

“This is that tricky time of year when the seasons change from hot to cold. We’re seeing more chronic pain flare-ups, headaches, and lots of falls. Plus, asthma and COPD flare-ups are also affecting a lot of people.”

Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Department

“We are still seeing a slight increase with COVID patients and viral respiratory issues.”

Oakland County – Hand, foot & mouth disease, COVID, asthma flare-ups, stomach viruses, strep throat, fall allergies

Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital

“We’re seeing a rise in COVID cases, asthma flare-ups due to the weather, strep throat, and other fall viruses like gastroenteritis and hand, foot & mouth disease. With the sun setting earlier, be extra cautious about kids on bikes, and make sure they’re wearing helmets.”

Dr. Evelyn Laskowski -- Division Chief, Corewell Health Children’s in Royal Oak

“We are seeing a slight uptick in viral illnesses. We are also starting to see more asthma exacerbations. There have been lots of patients with rhinovirus/enterovirus, which is like the common cold. It can cause breathing problems in some individuals.”

Dr. Parag Patel -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

“We are seeing quite a few patients with allergies. Also, upper respiratory infections lead to ear and sinus infections. We have also started to see strep in school-age kids.”

Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.

“Viruses are definitely making the rounds, and that includes hand, foot & mouth disease. It’s pretty common in children, causing mouth sores and rashes on the hands and feet. If your child shows any of these symptoms, it’s important to get them checked out since it’s highly contagious. Also, just a reminder to stay up to date with vaccinations—many viral symptoms can be prevented.”

Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital Emergency Department

“We’re seeing quite a few patients coming in with pain in different areas, including the chest, and some with stroke-like symptoms.“

Washtenaw County – Respiratory illnesses, outdoor injuries, upper respiratory infections, COVID, strep throat, influenza

Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine

“Still a good number of respiratory illnesses, though they are trending down. We saw a lot of injuries with the beautiful weather last weekend.”

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

“We’re still seeing some COVID but there are more COVID negative URIs and occasional strep this week.”

Washtenaw County Health Department

“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at low levels. Sporadic cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw county are influenza B. Influenza wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”

Monroe County – Breathing problems, stomach pain, dizziness, fall allergies

ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Emergency Center

“We are experiencing patients coming in with respiratory symptoms, abdominal pain, and complaints of dizziness.”

Macomb County – Upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, outdoor injuries, COVID, sore throats, strep throat

Dr. Ali Saad -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb

“Upper respiratory infections and symptoms of congestion, slight fever, and cough, along with nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea symptomatic of gastroenteritis, have noticeably increased. Patients testing positive for COVID-19 have been trending down over the past week, with patients mainly being discharged from the ER following treatment. Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries continue to be treated in high volumes at the emergency and trauma center.”

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

“Right now, we’re getting a lot of patients testing positive for COVID, as well as dealing with viral sore throats, colds, and strep throat. “

Livingston County -- Respiratory viruses, fall allergies, COVID

Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department

“Slight bump in COVID cases in Livingston. Viral respiratory and allergy issues are prevalent.”


About the Authors
Sarah Mayberry, M.P.H. headshot
Frank McGeorge, MD headshot

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

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