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, colds, stomach viruses, asthma flare-ups, respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“The most common diagnoses this week were cases involving chest pain, falls in the elderly, shortness of breath, abdominal pain, and nausea/vomiting. The American College of Cardiology and American Heart Association recommend prompt evaluation of chest pain to rule out heart attacks, especially in older adults who may present with uncommon signs and symptoms like shortness of breath, loss of consciousness, or falls. Falls in older adults require assessment for injury and risk factors, as emphasized by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s STEADI initiative. Shortness of breath is a common reason for admission and is associated with increased mortality and resource use. Abdominal pain is often due to benign causes but may signal surgical emergencies, requiring careful evaluation and imaging. Nausea and vomiting are usually self-limited but should be assessed for serious causes if persistent or severe.”
Dr. Jaime Hope -- Medical Director, Emergency Medicine, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Outpatient Campus – Livonia
“Still seeing plenty of viruses (both respiratory and stomach), so encouraging continued diligence with hand washing, surface washing (light switches, door knows, faucet handles, etc.) to help stop the spread. Sports and outdoor activities are in full swing, we are seeing plenty of injuries. For yard work, remember to wear goggles to prevent eye injuries! Poison ivy is beginning to appear, learn to recognize (and avoid!) the leaves-of-3. Use gloves when handling plants and wash skin and clothing thoroughly. Use bug spray to prevent stings and bites. For sports and recreation, simple measures, such as helmets and pads can prevent not only ER visits, but potentially permanent and debilitating injuries.”
Dr. Robert Moore -- Family Medicine Physician, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“Luckily rates of COVID-19 and influenza-related upper respiratory tract infections have been on the decline over the past few weeks. However, with the change in seasons, more allergens are in the environment. Flares of allergic rhinitis have been on the rise. We have been triaging patients and directing them to the best anti-allergen medications based on their symptomatology. Most of these medications are available over the counter.”
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“It’s still a lot of seasonal allergy, making kids’ asthma flare. It’s hanging in there. Weather can bring different dust and allergens from different parts of the country. We’re still in school, so we’re still seeing viruses going around, especially gastro-intestinal viruses and colds with upper respiratory symptoms.”
Dr. Trifun Dimitrijevski -- Emergency physician, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital
“We’re seeing end-of-Spring colds with runny nose, congestion and cough, as well as seasonal allergies with runny nose, sneezing and watery eyes. Also, patients are coming in with viral syndromes with gastro-intestinal symptoms of vomiting and diarrhea.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“A lot of people are dealing with seasonal allergies and allergic rhinitis. Over-the-counter antihistamines including nasal sprays are a good option.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Asthma & COPD flare-ups, spring allergies, viral bronchitis, respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, whooping cough.
Dr. Daniel Zoller -- Pediatrician, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
“At Corewell Health Children’s, we’re seeing an increase in pediatric viral infections, including rhinovirus, enterovirus, and parainfluenza causing respiratory and gastrointestinal illness. There’s also a rise in pertussis cases, also known as whooping cough, along with the typical seasonal uptick in allergy symptoms and asthma exacerbations.”
Dr. Steve McGraw -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Providence Southfield Hospital
“Lots of asthma, COPD, allergies, and viral bronchitis seen due to the weather and season. We’re also seeing viral gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea, but little COVID. Wear helmets when biking and slowdown in school zones as kids tend to cross streets without looking.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week, we continue to see allergies and common cold symptoms, likely due to the weather changes. The common cold typically involves a sore throat, body aches, and fever, while allergies cause sneezing, itching, and watery eyes without a fever.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Asthma flare-ups, croup, respiratory viruses, stomach viruses.
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Lots of asthma. We are still seeing croup, respiratory illnesses like human meta pneumovirus and rhino enterovirus and GI illness with secondary cramping pain, vomiting and diarrhea. There are scattered cases of COVID and influenza.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We continued to see a moderate amount of GI illness this week. Flu and COVID numbers are low. Overall improvement in the respiratory illness rates though some low levels of non-COVID or flu URIs continue.”
MONROE COUNTY – Norovirus, spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, strep throat.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital –- Emergency Center
“We are seeing an increase in cases of norovirus, seasonal allergies, asthma, strep throat, and allergic reactions. This is affecting both children and adults in the community. To help prevent the spread of norovirus, staying well-hydrated and practicing proper hand hygiene is recommended.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Sinus problems, spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries, upper respiratory viruses.
Dr. William Halacoglu -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries continue to be the most common reason patients are seeking care in the emergency department and trauma center. While not being reported in significantly high volumes, there have been a number of patients treated for a viral upper respiratory infection, unseasonable for this time of year. Many allergy sufferers are experiencing symptoms similar to an upper respiratory infection, while some others have reported minor breathing complications.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Flu and COVID cases have decreased significantly. We continue to see sinus issues and allergy and asthma flares.”