What’s Going Around: Colds, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, bug bites, severe sunburns, COVID, pink eye

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 – Colds, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, bug bites, severe sunburns, head and arm injuries

Dr. Zafar Shamoon -- Emergency chief, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital

“We haven’t been seeing a lot of people come in for anything viral. Instead, we’ve seen a lot of kids with arm injuries and also head injuries after riding bikes with no helmets. Please, have your kids wear a properly fitted helmet and protective gear to stay safe while riding a bicycle. We’ve also treated some severe sunburns, so don’t forget to use sun protection especially when you’re outside for an extended period. And please, be safe if you’re using or around fireworks for the Fourth holiday.”

Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

“We’re seeing a mix of things: lots of runny noses and congestion for kids with cold symptoms or allergies. We’re also seeing patients experiencing asthma attacks. And now with folks getting outside more, we’re seeing patients with bug bites.”

Dr. Roy Elrod -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Detroit Receiving Hospital

“Seeing increase in injuries especially outside activity related injuries -both recreational and work related.”

Dr. Dan Taylor -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital

“There has been an Increase in trauma related injuries as summer weather ensues.”

Oakland County – Sports injuries, heat-related issues, upper respiratory infections, COVID, pink eye, strep throat

Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

“There hasn’t been a lot of infectious diseases going around right now. We are seeing a lot of sports injuries and heat-related issues come into our emergency department. We’ve also seen several motorcycle accidents.”

Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.

“This week we continue to have increased cases of upper respiratory infections including COVID-19. These infections can increase asthma and allergy related symptoms and cause pneumonia in more severe cases. It is important to stay up to date with recommended vaccinations and remain home when sick.”

Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital

“We’re seeing a lot of falls this week along with chest pain, abdominal pain, and diarrhea.”

Emergency Department, Trinity Health Oakland

“We continue to see many trauma incidents related to outdoor activities, and multi-vehicle accidents.”

Washtenaw County – Outdoor injuries, heat exhaustion, stomach viruses, COVID

Dr. Marisa Louie -- Medical Director of Children’s Emergency Services, Michigan Medicine

“Lots of kids with recreation-related injuries, like fractures, imbedded fishhooks, lacerations. We had another patient with heat exhaustion. Still a fair number of vomiting/diarrheal illnesses.”

Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine

“Seeing a few more cases of COVID this week than previous. Minimal GI illnesses.”

Emergency Department, Chelsea Hospital

“In Chelsea, we are seeing an increase in trauma related issues.”

Monroe County – Did not report this week

Macomb County – Outdoor injuries, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, skin rashes, hives, strep throat, COVID

Dr. William Halacoglu -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb

“Various natural irritants, including allergens, have been causing complications, such as asthma exacerbation and various forms of skin rashes and hives. Minor orthopedic fractures and breaks and various soft tissue injuries mainly sustained during outdoor activities continue to be treated in high volumes. With reports of increasing COVID-19 cases across the country, there has been no similar trend of cases being diagnosed in the emergency department.”

Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights

“I’m seeing rashes from working outdoors and a few strep and COVID-19 cases going around.”

Livingston County -- Outdoor injuries, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, bug bites

Emergency Department, Trinity Health Livingston

“We are seeing an increase in trauma injuries related to yard work, ATV use, etc. Also, a reminder to the community to please keep safety in the forefront for the holiday, including for any fire work usage, bon fires, and travel.”


About the Authors

Dr. McGeorge can be seen on Local 4 News helping Metro Detroiters with health concerns when he isn't helping save lives in the emergency room at Henry Ford Hospital.

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