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, spring allergies, asthma & COPD flare-ups, RSV, influenza, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“There’s still a lot of viral gastroenteritis going around, handwashing is the best way to avoid this. Also, with all the spring flowers come allergy symptoms. It’s important that people with asthma have their necessary medications on hand as these allergens can be triggers. A reminder to those riding eBikes and eScooters: always be aware of your surroundings and wear your helmets!”
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth
“We are seeing many cases of viral respiratory tract infections, mostly non-covid and non-influenza. We are also seeing an expected seasonal increase in falls and orthopedic injuries due to more outside activities. I urge the community to use extreme caution during outside events that involve fires, grills, and any potential explosives as injuries can be sudden and life altering.”
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re seeing lots of allergies, sinus infections and asthma flares. We have specialists on staff and same-day appointments for families who need a plan to control asthma and keep kids healthy and out of the emergency room. Also, families should be thinking about summer safety: bike helmets, proper safety equipment, water safety, etc.”
Dr. Ali J. Bazzi -- Pediatrician, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We are still seeing a bit of RSV and flu, although we are at the tail end of the season. Right now, the main thing we are seeing in the hospital is asthma exacerbations due to the seasons changing. In the clinic, I’ve been seeing a decent amount of allergic conjunctivitis with swelling, redness and itchy, watery eyes.”
Dr. Angela Groves -- Emergency Department Medical Director, DMC Hutzel University Hospital
“Because allergies are ramping up, we’re getting a lot of COPD and asthma exacerbations. Other than that, we’re still seeing a smattering of COVID and lots of GI stuff, which is typical year-round, whether it’s from a virus or food-related.”
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“We are still seeing viral stomach flu, gastroenteritis, and Influenza B.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Spring allergies, tick bites, strep throat, respiratory viruses, muscle strains.
Dr. Robert Ricketts -- Family Medicine Physician, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“Thankfully, cases of influenza and COVID have significantly decreased. However, with the warmer weather, we’ve noticed more patients experiencing allergy-related symptoms. Additionally, we’ve had numerous visits for tick bites. Please remember to use insect repellent when venturing into the woods and keep a tick removal device handy. If you’ve been bitten, please consult your physician for guidance.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“More patients are dealing with allergic flares that seem to be triggered by recent weather fluctuations and seasonal pollen exposure. For symptom relief, I recommend over-the-counter antihistamines such as cetirizine or loratadine, intranasal corticosteroids like fluticasone, and limiting outdoor exposure during high pollen days.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“Strep throat and other respiratory viruses are going around along with musculoskeletal strains from yard work.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Stomach viruses, respiratory viruses, spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, influenza, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Still seeing respiratory stuff: viral illness from human rhinoenterovirus, allergy/environmentally triggered asthma, some influenza. There is a decrease in GI illness but still not completely gone. Increased orthopedic injuries, especially elbow/forearm fractures.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing a few COVID cases and URIs. A slight uptick in GI illness this week as well.”
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 currently being reported in Washtenaw County are influenza B. Influenza A wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Influenza B wastewater detection is currently at low levels in Ann Arbor and medium levels in Ypsilanti.”
MONROE COUNTY – Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, ear infections.
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“As the weather warms up, we are seeing a significant decline in colds, viruses and allergy symptoms across all age groups. While there has been a slight uptick in ear infections among pediatric patients, overall patient health appears to be improving with the changing of the season.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Spring allergies, stomach viruses, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Evan Coyne -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“With symptoms that mirror an upper respiratory infection, allergy sufferers have been experiencing a persistent cough and congestion, with severe cases having difficulty breathing. Cases of viral infections causing symptoms of gastrointestinal distress have been significantly trending down over the past week. In what will be very common throughout the summer, patients of all ages are being treated for various orthopedic and soft tissue injuries sustained mainly in outdoor activities.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY -- Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries.
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department & Trinity Health Medical Center – Brighton
“We are seeing a trend in warm weather-related injuries related to: Burns, ATV use, Horseback riding, Bicycles and fishing hooks. Nothing related to COVID or Influenza, those have diminished greatly.”