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 – Stomach viruses, Norovirus, Rotavirus, spring allergies, Covid, falls & outdoor injuries.
Dr. Sarah Leluga -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“With the flu and viral illness season nearing an end, the number of kids admitted to the hospital for community-acquired illnesses has dropped dramatically, which we’re thankful for. But because of our expertise, we’re still seeing many patients with unique and/or rare illnesses and conditions, like complex infections and vasculitis, which is when your immune system mistakenly attacks the body. Some of the symptoms include prolonged fevers, rash, conjunctivitis, mucosal irritation, swelling of hand/feet and lymph node swelling.”
Dr. Erin Brennan -- Emergency Physician, DMC Detroit Receiving and DMC Sinai-Grace Hospitals
“We’ve seen a few more falls and traumatic injuries over the past week as the weather has gotten nicer and more people are moving around outside. Otherwise, it has been typical emergency medicine complaints like chest pain, abdominal pain and trouble breathing. We aren’t seeing the viral syndrome patients like we were a few weeks ago.”
Dr. Arsala Bakhtyar -- Medical Director, Pediatric Hospital Medicine, Corewell Health in Southeast Michigan, based in Dearborn.
“In clinic, we are seeing lots of gastroenteritis. We have also seen Rota virus cases in unimmunized babies and some norovirus.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“I’m starting to see seasonal allergies/allergic rhinitis, a little bit of COVID not much influenza anymore.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Stomach viruses, respiratory viruses, spring allergies, asthma/COPD flare-ups, strep throat, colds.
Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital
“We’re still seeing lots of GI bugs (vomiting, diarrhea) and viral respiratory infections. Both can flare asthma and COPD this time of year. Spring sports means more injuries. Remind kids to wear helmets on bikes and motorcycles. Drivers: watch out for cyclists and pedestrians. If you’re not sure about your Measles vaccine, you can get one at your pharmacy or with your primary care physician. An extra dose is safe, being unvaccinated is not.”
Sarah Rauner -- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of vomiting, diarrhea, fever and/or dehydration related to viral illnesses in our pediatric population, as well as cough, congestion and sore throat. Some of that is related to viral upper respiratory infections and others the start of seasonal allergy/asthma issues due to these weather fluctuations. Make sure your children are taking their daily asthma/allergy medications and continuing to wash their hands.”
Dr. Jim Getzinger -- Emergency Center Physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“Still seeing a bit of the upper respiratory viruses making the rounds - but definitely on the decline. Spring cleanup time is here - make sure your equipment is in good working order and practice good safety. Do not attempt to fix clogs in running equipment or you’ll be making a visit to an ER unexpectedly.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This past week, we’ve seen seasonal allergies, colds, strep throat, minor sprains, and a few mild burns. Wash hands often, stay hydrated, and use proper gear for outdoor activities to stay safe and healthy.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“Thankfully, we are not seeing as many flu or COVID cases. More cardiovascular, neurologic, and gastrointestinal-related issues are showing up as well as injury from traumatic falls.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Stomach viruses, spring allergies, asthma/COPD flare-ups, upper respiratory infections, Norovirus.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We continue to see low levels of upper respiratory infections, with rare cases of flu or COVID. We are also beginning to see some early seasonal allergies that trigger asthma or COPD exacerbations in vulnerable patients. GI illness (nausea, vomiting and diarrhea) is at a higher rate this week compared to last week.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Still some respiratory illness like RSV, COVID, flu but they seem to be in the downtrend. However, lots of GI illness remains- especially norovirus.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at elevated levels, but appear to be decreasing. Cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw county are influenza A. Influenza A wastewater detection is currently at high levels in Ann Arbor and low levels in Ypsilanti. Influenza B wastewater detection is currently at medium levels in Ann Arbor and low levels in Ypsilanti.”
MONROE COUNTY – Spring allergies, upper respiratory viruses.
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“We are seeing an increase in allergy-related symptoms like itchy eyes, runny noses, and coughs as the weather warms up. Fortunately, viral illnesses are becoming less common overall. Among school-aged children, we continue to see some viral upper respiratory infections (URIs), but cases of both influenza and COVID-19 are much less common now.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Spring allergies, stomach viruses, sinus infections, dehydration, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Glenn DeLong -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“In addition to the orthopedic and soft tissue injuries that have become common in recent weeks, there has been a noticeable increase of head injuries among younger kids, urging doctors to remind everyone to wear a helmet during certain activities. While far from the levels experienced during the winter, there remain a few, occasional patients experiencing short-term symptoms of upper respiratory and gastrointestinal distress resulting from viral infections. With the recent warm-up, there have been several cases, specifically in older patients, experiencing symptoms of dehydration, such as dizziness and fatigue.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We’re seeing allergies, viral gastrointestinal disease (stomach flu) and sinus infections.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY - Spring allergies, stomach viruses.
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department & the Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton
“We continue to see patients dealing with gastrointestinal issues.”
