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, strep throat, stomach viruses, outdoor injuries
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Department, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“Patients are coming in with a vomiting/diarrhea illness. We’re also seeing a fair amount of asthma patients and patients testing positive for strep throat. We’ve been seeing high levels of strep for months; it just seems to be sitting in the community.”
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“We are seeing a significant decrease in viral respiratory problems, but we are still treating a significant amount of the stomach flu. There has also been an increase in asthma likely related to weather change and seasonal allergies.”
Dr. Daniel Taylor -- Specialist in Chief of Emergency Medicine for Detroit Medical Center and ER Chief at DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
“Trauma injuries are picking up with the warmer weather and people out and about more. We’re also seeing bumps in asthma and COPD. COVID and flu are on the decline.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Spring allergies, colds, respiratory infections, stomach viruses, injuries from falls
Dr. Justin Skrzynski -- Internal Medicine Physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“Fortunately, hospital volumes are down right now, but we’re still seeing some of the usual spring culprits like colds and respiratory viruses, and also allergy season. Now is probably a good time to complete checkups and vaccinations to make sure that we’re all healthy and ready to enjoy the summer.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“In the past week, patients have come in mainly for seasonal allergies with symptoms like congestion and itchy eyes. There have also been a few visits for colds, mild respiratory infections, and minor injuries such as sprains.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We’re still seeing a number of patients with cardiovascular, gastrointestinal, and neurological issues. Lately, we’ve also been treating more injuries from falls, especially among older adults, which can lead to bruises, fractures, and other complications. On the plus side, respiratory and flu-like illnesses are starting to decline, but we have noticed a slight uptick in behavioral health-related visits.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Respiratory illnesses, RSV, influenza, playground & sports injuries, spring allergies, asthma & COPD flare-ups, stomach viruses
Dr. Hannah Forte -- Pediatric Emergency Medicine Fellow, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing respiratory illnesses in the pediatric ER, including RSV and Flu B. However, as the weather has been warming up, we’ve seen an increase in injuries from children playing on playgrounds and resuming sports. It’s important that families ensure their children are protected from injury whenever possible, so children should wear helmets and other protective sports gear to help keep them safe.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“On the adult side, we are seeing less infectious URI symptoms, though we continue to see spring allergy symptoms that has caused some issues for folks with underlying lung disorders such as asthma or COPD. GI illness seems less prevalent this week than last.”
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 medium levels in Ann Arbor and low levels in Ypsilanti. Influenza B wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
MONROE COUNTY – Norovirus, sinus congestion, spring allergies, colds, cough
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“We’re seeing a noticeable increase in norovirus cases. This gastrointestinal virus primarily causes diarrhea and vomiting and is affecting both children and adults. While it’s typically a self-limiting illness, staying well-hydrated is essential for recovery. Many patients are coming in with sinus congestion, which can be tricky to diagnose due to overlapping causes. Seasonal allergies are particularly severe right now, but we’re also seeing a fair amount of rhinovirus cases. Both tend to be self-limiting and often include a cough associated to post-nasal drip. Treatments like Flonase, allergy medicine and decongestants can help relieve symptoms for both issues.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Stomach viruses, spring allergies, viral illnesses, outdoor injuries
Dr. Anna Rivers -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Though sporadic, cases of viral illnesses continue to present to the ER, even a case of influenza, which presented with symptoms of headache, dizziness, and a mild cough. Mostly diagnosed in younger, school-aged children, gastrointestinal distress has been trending up, with symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Spring weather has led to a significant increase in allergy exacerbation, with sufferers experiencing severe congestion and breathing complications. A trend that will be common throughout the summer, orthopedic and soft tissue injuries continue to be treated frequently in the emergency and trauma center.”
