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, colds, sinus infections, bug bites, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re seeing lots of allergies, cold symptoms and sinus infections. We’re also seeing bug bites as the kiddos play more outside. You can use cortisone or Benadryl ointment on the bite to prevent infection or reactions, and a Zyrtec/Clartin/Benadryl for itchiness.”
Dr. Roy Elrod -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital
“We’re still seeing some seasonal allergies around town, mostly due to tree pollen. We ask: if you know you have allergies, take your medications early in the day to control symptoms. We are seeing asthma flareups as children start to participate in outdoor activities. Be sure you have your inhaler and avoid strenuous activities that can trigger asthma. Safety is important for outdoor sports, particularly with some of the change in weather. Be careful not to go under trees with lightning; try to seek building shelter. And slow down and know your limits when it comes to activities. We’re seeing lots of joint and ankle sprains, and injuries can be avoided.”
Oakland County – Outdoor injuries, stomach viruses, dehydration, seasonal allergies, fevers, rashes, bug bites.
Sarah Rauner -- Pediatric Nurse Practitioner, Emergency Center, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of fevers with body aches, nausea, vomiting and/or diarrhea. We are also seeing some viral sore throats and strep throats. Injuries are on the rise due to the warm weather and kiddos being outside. There have been some heat-related injuries, especially in the last weeks. Rashes and bug bites are on the rise as well. Stay hydrated, and use your bug spray and sunscreen.”
Dr. Jim Getzinger -- Emergency Center Physician, Corewell Health’s William Beaumont University Hospital
“As summer gets into full swing, we have been seeing a downward trend with COVID and Influenza. All the outdoor activities have been bringing more injuries - broken bones/scrapes and cuts - be careful out there. There’s been a slight increase in stomach/GI related infections - make sure you’re washing your hands and cooking your foods thoroughly.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week it has been dehydration and allergies due to the weather. This is a reminder that as we get into warmer weather this summer, it is important to maintain adequate hydration and protect yourself from the sun.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“Chest pain, stroke-like symptoms and falls are the biggest issues for us this week.”
Washtenaw County – Upper respiratory infections, stomach viruses, seasonal allergies, asthma & COPD flare-ups.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“This week has been lower volume for all URIs, including flu and COVID, on the adult side. Not much GI illness. Allergy symptoms and asthma/COPD exacerbations seem to be lower in severity and occurrence as well.”
Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine
“Volumes are at summer levels, lots of injuries. There is a bit of a baby boom locally, so we are seeing a few more very young infants due to typical newborn issues.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at low levels. Cases of influenza A and influenza B 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 are at low levels.”
Monroe County – Shortness of breath, COPD flare-ups, upper respiratory viruses, pneumonia, influenza.
Dr. Spencer Johnson, DO, FACEP -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital – Medical Director, Emergency Center
“We are currently seeing viral upper respiratory infections and pneumonia at steady doses along with influence A and viral illnesses. Also, with warmer weather, we are seeing an increase in shortness of breath and COPD. Trauma cases have also picked up.”
Macomb County – Gastrointestinal illnesses, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries, strep throat, COVID.
Dr. Ali Saad -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“Both viral and bacterial infections have led to gastrointestinal distress, causing symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. Allergens in the area have caused asthma sufferers to have flare-ups that mirror the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, including congestion and shallow breathing. Broken and fractured bones and soft tissue injuries mainly resulting from outdoor activities continue to be reported and treated in high volumes in the trauma center.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“We’re seeing strep throat, allergy and asthma flare-ups and some COVID-19 cases.”
Livingston County -- Seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries.
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department
“We continue to see patients who are dealing with warm weather injuries. No other trends at this time.”