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 – Strep throat, stomach viruses, dehydration, food-borne illnesses, outdoor injuries
Dr. Kelly Levasseur -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency Medicine
“We are still seeing a lot of kids with strep throat. It’s been consistent for months. We’ve not seen the rates this high for this long in any time I can remember. If their child has sore throat and fever, and especially younger kids, and abdominal pain and sometimes headaches, they should get in to see their doctor. They would need to get on antibiotics if they’re positive for strep. We’re also seeing the gastroenteritis – vomiting and diarrhea. Kids should be seen if they’re showing signs of dehydration, especially with the hot weather. And with temperatures climbing, keep kids hydrated and, if possible, do sports activities before 10 am or after 4 pm; that’s the safest time for kids.”
Dr. Jennifer Stephens-Hoyer -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Plymouth
“With the enjoyable outdoor weather, we have been seeing an increase in orthopedic and soft tissue injuries.
Feel free to keep playing outdoors, but remember that safety is a top priority. Wear helmets, operate devices at controllable speeds, and put your phone aside while active.”
Dr. Ahmed.J.Chaudhary -- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital Program Director of Transitional Medicine
“As summer kicks in, we are seeing a rise in the numbers of food-borne illnesses, like gastroenteritis and food poisoning, with patients presenting with symptoms like nausea, vomiting and diarrhea. Most of the time, these symptoms are self-limiting, meaning the symptoms resolve without treatment. But in elderly individuals and in patients with other medical conditions, this can lead to serious health implications like dehydration or even renal failure. So consult with your doctor, or be seen if symptoms are severe. Also remember to keep hydrated. Proper hand hygiene and safe food handling techniques can help prevent food-borne infections.”
Oakland County –Stomach viruses, outdoor injuries, dehydration, seasonal allergies
Dr. Michael Gratson -- Emergency Center Physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital
“We are seeing less COVID and flu as the school year is ending, but we are still seeing the gastro bug. Additionally, the beautiful weather has arrived along with traumatic injuries and dehydration. As people are outside more to enjoy our beautiful state, make sure to take the necessary precautions to stay safe. Wear helmets while on your bikes, be certain to stay well hydrated, and take frequent breaks on days when the temperature heats up. We know in Michigan that the warm weather doesn’t last forever, so enjoy it.”
Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing the same kind of stuff. There are not a lot of respiratory illnesses right now, and we are starting to see some sports injuries in kids likely due to them being more active outside.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“I have been seeing more patients with allergies and dehydration. With the weather change, it is important for people to take allergy medications as needed and stay hydrated, especially while outdoors. A reminder that protecting your skin is also important. Use sunscreen and wear loose, long-sleeve clothing when possible.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We are seeing a lot of chest and abdominal pain. A big number of elderly patients continue to come in for falls and stroke symptoms.”
Washtenaw County – Stomach viruses, upper respiratory infections, seasonal allergies, asthma & COPD flare-ups
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“Minimal URIs again this week. Allergy symptoms and COPD or asthma exacerbations are closer to baseline levels. Minimal GI illnesses as well.”
Monroe County – Outdoor injuries, stomach viruses, seasonal allergies
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital
“We are seeing patients coming in with complaints of chest pain, nausea and vomiting, hypokalemia, and fall-related injuries.”
Macomb County – Outdoor injuries, seasonal allergies, breathing problems, strep throat, influenza, COVID
Dr. Michael Kitto -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb
“Allergens continue to affect asthma sufferers with minor breathing complications, though not at the elevated volumes of previous weeks. Orthopedic and soft tissue injuries resulting from outdoor activities continue to be reported in high volumes, a trend expected to remain throughout the summer. Following a slight uptick, cases of late-season gastroenteritis has noticeably tapered off.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“I’ve been seeing cases of strep throat along with the flu and COVID.”
Livingston County -- Outdoor injuries, seasonal allergies
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department
“No specific trends. Usual summer injuries. Falls resulting in lacerations and fractures. 4-wheeler accidents resulting in various injuries.”