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, asthma flare-ups, spring allergies, outdoor injuries, shortness of breath, and falls.
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“Seasonal allergies, allergic rhinitis, and season-specific traumas like trampoline and baseball injuries. Be sure to keep your eyes open for kids playing near the road.”
Dr. Sarah Leluga -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We have a good amount of viral gastroenteritis, with vomiting and diarrhea. And we’re seeing asthma exacerbations due to the weather changes and seasonal allergies.”
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“The most common reasons for emergency department visits this week were abdominal pain, chest pain, shortness of breath, falls, and back pain. Many of these presentations may be reduced through modifiable lifestyle factors: safe eating and digestive health practices, maintaining cardiovascular and pulmonary health, regular physical activity and fall prevention, and attention to posture and ergonomics. The American College of Emergency Physicians emphasizes that preventive health behaviors — such as smoking cessation, weight management, and regular exercise — can decrease the incidence of these common complaints and reduce emergency department utilization.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Croup, hand, foot & mouth disease, stomach viruses, poison ivy, poison oak, influenza, spring allergies, sinus infections.
Dr. Whitney Minnock -- Pediatric Chief of Emergency, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“We’ve been seeing lots of croup, hand-foot-and-mouth disease, and GI viruses in children coming into the hospital.”
Dr. Sanford Vieder -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
“As we finally head into warmer weather, we are certainly beginning to see increased numbers of contact dermatitis, such as poison ivy and poison oak. During the last two weeks we have interestingly experienced a mild resurgence of influenza A and influenza B, which we don’t expect to last long. Although it’s too late to get vaccinated against influenza this season, it’s a great time to remind the community that our next season is just around the corner and they should begin to vaccinate in mid to late September. Allergy season is definitely in full bloom. You can see your allergist or primary care physician for prescribed, preventative medications. That said, over-the-counter medications can also mitigate a lot of the associated symptoms. Now that we will hopefully have more sunny days ahead, I would also like to remind the community to make full use of sunblock to avoid unintended sunburn and more significant problems down the road. And, to prevent head injuries, please wear a helmet if you are riding a bicycle, skateboarding or rollerblading.”
Dr. Parag Patel -- Primary Care Physician, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing common spring allergies, sinus infections and upper respiratory viruses. Covid and influenza cases were common in the last few months but have decreased. As people start to spend more time outdoors, we tend to see insect bites and poison ivy. Take care when working in your yard. And with the sunnier days, use sunscreen when spending time outdoors. “
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center, Bloomfield Twp.
“This week, we’ve seen a few cases of insect reactions. As the weather improves and more people spend time outdoors, it’s important to take precautions. Remember to wear insect repellent and reapply sunscreen regularly to stay protected while enjoying the sunshine.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, upper respiratory infections, croup, stomach viruses, influenza, and COVID.
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing respiratory illness like croup, human meta pneumo virus and rhino enterovirus. There are a small number of flu, COVID, and asthma. GI illness still remains.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“This has been a quieter week as far as infections are concerned. Very little GI illnesses, COVID or flu this week. Mild URI cases are still occurring.”
MONROE COUNTY – Rhinovirus, spring allergies.
Dr. Nicholas Schenk -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“As the school year wraps up, illness activity remains relatively low. We are seeing some cases of rhinovirus going around, which typically causes mild, non-specific cold-like symptoms. This is primarily affecting children, but some adults as well. Seasonal allergies also appear to be waning for the springtime, but we anticipate it will be back come fall.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Outdoor injuries, spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, and viral illnesses.
Dr. Joseph Flynn -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“There has been a noticeable increase in allergy complications, specifically for asthma sufferers, leading them to experience breathing complications. With the increase in outdoor activities, soft tissue and orthopedic injuries continue to be the most common reason patients are seeking care in the emergency department. Following some late-season viral infections, those conditions have significantly decreased.”