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 – Seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, stomach viruses, ear infections, strep throat, scarlet fever, influenza, COVID
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re seeing kiddos with viral gastroenteritis, ear infections, strep throat, and allergy and asthma flares. We’re also seeing scarlet fever, which can present with a rash with fine bumps, a high fever, sore throat, sometimes with white patches, tender lymph nodes, belly pain and nausea and vomiting, or any combination of those. We can do a blood test to look for it or a swab for strep throat. Treatment is antibiotics.”
Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane
“We’re seeing a few of COVID-19/influenza/strep cases and always some viral gastroenteritis. We’re also seeing a fair amount of extremity fractures in kids as they’re out jumping off things and generally playing hard. "
Oakland County – Poison ivy, outdoor rashes, strep throat, asthma flare-ups, seasonal allergies, influenza
Dr. Matthew J. Compton -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital
“In addition to our regular breathing, chest and abdominal pain, and other issues, we’re seeing that transition into summertime pathology instead of the infectious disease season. We’re seeing more people coming in with rashes with outdoor exposure: contact dermatitis and poison ivy. And we still have kids coming in with strep throat: the last vestiges of the school year that won’t go away until the school year’s over.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We are seeing asthma flare-ups with the spring weather and weather changes. This has caused some exacerbations in asthma. This is a reminder to patients not to miss daily preventive medications and take allergy medications when appropriate.”
Dr. Susan Bork -- Director of Operations, Emergency Center, Corewell Health’s William Beaumont University Hospital
“The ER continues to see influenza and parainfluenza viruses. Allergies continue to be at peak levels, just as they were during the height of spring.”
Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Chief, Corewell Health’s Beaumont Hospital Troy
“We’re seeing viral gastroenteritis cases (the stomach flu). There have also been a number of upper respiratory infections that aren’t influenza, COVID or RSV. Lastly, with the warm weather and sports back, we’re seeing a lot of orthopedic injuries.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of falls, abdominal pain, and chest pains this week.”
Washtenaw County – Seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, influenza
Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing a lot more injuries with the warmer weather. These include sports-related burns from bonfires, lawn mower injuries, ATV, and other recreational vehicles. We are also seeing more allergy-related events, including asthma exacerbations and anaphylaxis, that I suspect reflects the large pollen load right now.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at high levels, but appear to be decreasing. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw County are influenza B. Sporadic cases of influenza A are being reported. Influenza-related deaths in Washtenaw County adults have been reported this flu season. All individuals were older adults with confirmed influenza A or influenza B infection. Flu-related hospitalizations of Washtenaw residents appear to be decreasing.”
Monroe County – Seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, falls, influenza, COVID, viral illnesses
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Emergency Center
“We are seeing a high number of fall injuries and patients coming in with chest pain. We are also still seeing an increase of influenza A, viral illnesses, and COVID-19.”
Macomb County – Strep throat, seasonal allergies, sinus infections, asthma flare-ups, upper respiratory viruses
Dr. Evan Coyne -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“The most common reason patients are seeking care in the emergency and trauma center has been minor orthopedic and soft tissue injuries, consistent with the improved outdoor weather. With recent weather fluctuation, viral upper respiratory infections (which are testing negative for the flu, COVID, and RSV) with symptoms of congestion, coughing, and slight fever have been steadily reported. Asthma sufferers have been affected by the start of allergy season, with severe cases causing breathing issues.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We are seeing strep throat, allergies, and sinus infections going around.”