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 – Asthma flare-ups, COVID, outdoor injuries
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“We are still seeing viral infections but more GI-related. We are not seeing any significant COVID or flu, however, we are seeing lots of asthma and seasonal allergy symptoms.”
Dr. Jon Lovy -- Internal medicine physician, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital
“We’re seeing a summer uptick in RSV and viral stomach bugs, particularly in children. At the same time, asthma and allergy symptoms are flaring with the combination of high pollen counts and lingering poor air quality. With wildfire smoke from Canada and ozone levels impacting respiratory health, we’re reminding patients—especially those with asthma or COPD—to monitor air quality alerts and stay current with their medications.
Dr. Curt Stankovic -- Medical Director, Pediatric Emergency, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“With all the cottonwood and pollen around, we’re seeing patients with seasonal allergies and asthma issues. We’re also seeing fractures and lacerations from kids falling, being hit by cars, falling off their bikes or participating in sports.”
Dr. Angela Groves -- Chief of Emergency Services, DMC Harper University Hospital
“We’re seeing asthmas exacerbations, as well as an increase in orthopedic injuries from outdoor activities. Specifically, we’re seeing ankle and wrist sprains from basketball, soccer and running around outside.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Viruses, chronic illnesses, dehydration, heatstroke
Dr. Justin Skrzynski -- Internal medicine physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“Right now, with the warmer weather, we’re not seeing many of the viruses that dominated earlier in the year. A lot of our hospitalizations are acute exacerbations of chronic illnesses, which hopefully serves as a gentle reminder for people to get their checkups and stay healthy to enjoy the summer.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center - Bloomfield Township
“With summer weather here, we have started to see heat exhaustion, heatstroke, and dehydration. Other frequent issues include foodborne illnesses, sunburn, insect bites, and infections from swimming in contaminated water. To prevent these issues, it’s important to stay hydrated, use sunscreen, avoid unsafe foods and water, and protect yourself from insect bites with repellents and proper clothing.”
MONROE COUNTY – Allergies, outdoor injuries
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“We are seeing a rise in allergy and asthma-related complaints, which in some cases are causing breathing complications. These issues are affecting individuals across all age groups. To help minimize symptoms, we recommend staying indoors when the air quality index is in the orange or red range and using over-the-counter allergy medications as needed.
Additionally, there has been an increase in orthopaedic injuries, likely due to increased participation in sports and outdoor activities. These injuries are most common among school-aged children and adults. To reduce the risk, we strongly encourage the use of appropriate protective gear during all sports and recreational activities."
MACOMB COUNTY – Injuries, viral gastroenteritis, allergies
Dr. Benjamin Doerr -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries continue to be the most common reason to seek care in the emergency and trauma center, with back injuries and mishaps in the water becoming more common.
Asthma complications stemming from allergens in the air continue to cause sufferers to experience breathing complications ranging in severity.
While down from its common prevalence from the colder months, cases of viral gastroenteritis remain consistent though while trending low."