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What’s Going Around: Allergies, COVID, stomach viruses, injuries

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, stomach viruses, COVID, sinus infections, respiratory viruses, outdoor injuries.

Dr. Jaime Hope -- Medical Director, Emergency Medicine, Beaumont Outpatient Campus – Livonia, a part of Corewell Health

“We have not seen as many heatstroke and fireworks cases lately. But we are seeing a resurgence of the summer respiratory virus, mostly causing annoying, cold-like symptoms and less serious hospitalizations. Those at the highest risk are newborns and the ill/elderly. Additionally, we are seeing camp-related injuries, which include sprains and fractures. Please, use caution. Remember the RICE method (rest, ice, elevate) and get an X-ray, if you’re unsure. We have also been seeing several yardwork injuries. Never climb a ladder alone and use protective gear (especially for eyes) with all power tools. Lastly, we’re still seeing swimming-related cases. Never leave children unattended near water. And adults could use the reminder not to mix alcohol with swimming or driving a boat/jet ski.”

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

“I’ve had a few COVID-positive families contact me. And we’re seeing a lot of sinus infections and post-nasal drip.”

Dr. Rizwan Khan -- DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital Internal Medicine Physician and Vice Chief of Staff

“We’re seeing mostly patients with chest pain and those who are suffering from COPD exacerbation.”

Dr. Jennifer Stevenson -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford Medical Center Fairlane

“Viral gastroenteritis (stomach flu) is still going around. We’re also seeing more COVID cases.”

Oakland County – COVID, kidney stones, strep throat, seasonal allergies.

Dr. Sanford Vieder -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Hospital Farmington Hills

“We are definitely seeing an uptick in COVID. Most of the cases are mild. We also are seeing an increase in the number of patients being treated for kidney stones. This is common in the hotter months when people tend to be a little bit more on the dehydrated side. Increasing daily fluid intake is a good, simple preventative measure. Finally, just another reminder to be cautious about sun and ultraviolet light exposure by protecting your skin with sunblock that has a value of greater than 30 with frequent reapplication while outdoors, enjoying our summer months.”

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

“This week I have seen a lot of patients testing positive for COVID and strep throat. A reminder to stay home if you are sick and use at-home testing kits. Be sure to wash your hands frequently with soap and water, avoid sharing eating utensils with someone who is sick, and when you cough or sneeze, cover your mouth and nose with a tissue or your upper sleeve or elbow. "

Washtenaw County – Stomach viruses, COVID, upper respiratory viruses.

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

“Still quite a bit of vomiting and diarrheal illnesses. Most often these patients are going home but younger kids can have problems with low blood sugars and end up requiring admission.”

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

“Some COVID still in circulation as well as other URI symptoms without a specific virus identified. Mild GI still present, but less than last week.”

Monroe County – Did not report this week.

Macomb County – COVID, colds, sunburn, outdoor injuries, stomach viruses, seasonal allergies.

Dr. Osama Fashho -- Emergency physician at McLaren Macomb

“Though there is some viral activity, symptoms mirroring an upper respiratory infection, such congestion and slightly labored breathing, have mostly been the result of seasonal allergies. Mainly viral, gastroenteritis has caused symptoms of nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea. The most common reason to seek care in the emergency and trauma center continues to be orthopedic and soft tissue injuries sustained in outdoor activities.”

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

“I am seeing patients with sunburn, colds and COVID.”

Livingston County -- Seasonal allergies, stomach viruses, COVID.

Emergency Department, Trinity Health Livingston

“Livingston has been seeing viral GI complaints this week. Small uptick in COVID as well.”


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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