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 – Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, stomach viruses, strep throat, and outdoor injuries
Dr. Jonathan Lovy -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital
“April has brought a double wave: while flu and RSV are easing off their winter peak, we’re still admitting patients with the lingering H1N1 strain. A sharp uptick in norovirus-driven stomach bug is sweeping the community. Add in Metro Detroit’s peak tree-pollen counts, and we’ve got coughs, sneezes and sudden GI upset everywhere. So, a late flu or RSV shot, meticulous handwashing (hand sanitizer won’t stop norovirus) – and early allergy control are the best strategies for staying healthy for our start to spring.”
Dr. Curt Stankovic -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“With the warmer weather and budding of trees, flowers and other plants, we’re seeing lots of patients with seasonal allergies and asthma. Children’s Hospital of Michigan specialists can help families address allergy and asthma issues to keep symptoms controlled and kids out of the ER. We’re also seeing a number of patients with viral gastroenteritis. Keep washing those hands! And with the weather getting better, it’s time to break out the sunscreen.”
Dr. Luda Khait-Vlisides -- Emergency Physician, DMC Sinai-Grace and DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospitals
“We’re seeing a mix of Flu B and gastroenteritis in our emergency departments. But thankfully, we’re not seeing flu at the levels we had earlier this year. We’re also seeing an occasional case of COVID. Stay home if you are sick, especially with a fever. Fluids and rest helps, as can Motrin/Tylenol for fever and bodyaches. Any shortness of breath or chest pain, go to the ER.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) continues spreading rapidly. Influenza A (flu) is dropping off, but we’re seeing more influenza B. There’s also still a lot of strep throat in our community. We’ve seen an uptick in orthopedic injuries, i.e., falls off bikes, the trampoline, and roller-skating injuries.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“We’re still seeing some cases of influenza and COVID. A few cases of RSV and croup (upper airway infection) as well.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Spring allergies, sinus problems, asthma flare-ups, strep throat, mononucleosis, stomach viruses
Dr. Susan Bork -- Director of Operations, Emergency Center, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“Corewell Health in Royal Oak is moving past influenza season as respiratory illness activity has decreased. Visits for allergies, sinus problems and asthma, however, are increasing due to weather changes and rising levels of pollen. We are still also seeing sporadic cases of gastrointestinal infections that are primarily self-limiting.”
Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of strep throat and mono. Also, there have been quite a few cases of gastroenteritis. There hasn’t been a lot of RSV, influenza or COVID at this present time.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“We’re seeing a lot of behavioral health issues like stress disorders and anxiety. “
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Asthma flare-ups, stomach viruses, influenza, upper respiratory viruses
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing influenza B, viral upper respiratory illnesses like human rhino enterovirus, and lots of asthma. There are still GI illnesses causing crampy abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea-leading to dehydration.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We continue to see some URIs. Much less flu and COVID activity this week compared to several weeks ago. We do continue to see several patients with GI illness with nausea vomiting and diarrhea.”
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, asthma flare-ups, stomach viruses
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We’re seeing an increase in allergy and asthma flare-ups, along with gastrointestinal (GI) illnesses. To help prevent allergy and asthma attacks, we recommend staying indoors when pollen levels are high, use over-the-counter allergy medications, and consider using air purifiers at home. For GI illness prevention, frequent handwashing remains the most effective way to reduce the risk of getting sick.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries, upper respiratory infections, RSV, influenza
Dr. James Larkin -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Though they do not consider them a trend, there continue to be sporadic, infrequent cases of patients seeking care for viral upper respiratory infections, including a case of RSV and influenza. As the weather continues to improve to spring-like temperatures, the number of patients seeking care for orthopedic and soft tissue injuries sustained during outdoor activities. The weather and pollen bloom has caused allergy sufferers to seek care for severe reactions, specifically breathing complications.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY - Norovirus, asthma flare-ups, spring allergies
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department & the Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton
“We have been seeing an influx of Norovirus over the past week.”