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 – Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, allergic eczema, influenza, strep throat, croup, viral illnesses.
Dr. Tiffney Widener -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“Allergies are bad! Allergies and allergic eczema with extreme rashes and reoccurring dry patches. They’ll follow the same patterns that allergies follow, so that’s seasonal too. And Asthma is flaring. We’re on the downslope but we’re still seeing those viral colds. I haven’t seen a lot of gastro stuff as much.”
Dr. Christopher Loewe -- Emergency Department, Henry Ford St. John Hospital
“In the pediatric ER, kids have come in with the flu, strep throat, and croup (an upper airway infection). A couple of reminders: never leave someone locked in a car with the engine running to avoid carbon monoxide poisoning and keep gummies out of reach to prevent cannabinoid poisoning.”
Dr. Zafar Shamoon -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We have been seeing fewer cases as compared to previous weeks but are just now starting to see an influx of sick kids with viral issues related to return from Spring Break.”
Sannid Saleh -- Director, Emergency Services, Detroit Medical Center Adult Central Campus, including Detroit Receiving Hospital and the DMC Burn Center
“We’ve had patients with horrible burns and victims of explosions. Please emphasize that smoke detectors are so very important to people’s survival in a fire situation. And people should get any kind of burn evaluated at an emergency department, particularly at a burn center. Even small burns can lead to infections and more serious complications. Also, people with exposure to ash and smoke should be evaluated – even people near a fire, like neighbors, who may have been exposed.”
OAKLAND COUNTY – Spring allergies, asthma flare-ups, colds, influenza, RSV, stomach viruses.
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We’re starting to see more cases of allergy and asthma flare-ups, likely due to the unpredictable weather. To prevent asthma and allergy attacks in spring, stay indoors during high pollen levels, use air purifiers, take prescribed medications, avoid outdoor activities during peak pollen times, shower after being outside, clean regularly, and monitor symptoms.”
Dr. Justin Skrzynski -- Internal Medicine Physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“As we finally move towards spring, we’re seeing the tail end of the cold and flu season, which still accounts for a good number of hospitalizations. While it was a particularly bad year for respiratory viruses, hopefully it’ll be a healthy and uneventful summer for all.”
Dr. David Donaldson -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital
“We are seeing some respiratory with RSV and influenza along with a lot of GI illness with vomiting and diarrhea. We are not seeing a lot of COVID.”
Emergency Department, Henry Ford West Bloomfield Hospital
“We’re still seeing quite a few flu cases along with some gastrointestinal issues. There are also concerns about fall-related injuries, neurological problems, and heart issues.”
Dr. Rachel M. Klamo -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Glennan Primary Care
“We’re seeing a rise in ankle and foot injuries, as well as some cases of influenza B (flu).”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Stomach viruses, Norovirus, influenza, croup, respiratory viruses.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing a decrease in upper respiratory infections, including COVID and flu this week compared to last week. There is also a slight increase in GI illnesses this week, including norovirus.”
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“Still seeing lots of flu, croup, COVID, and other respiratory viral illnesses like human rhino enterovirus and metapneumovirus. Lots of GI illness as well - vomiting, diarrhea, and secondary dehydration.”
Washtenaw County Health Department
“Influenza cases in Washtenaw County residents are currently at high levels, but appear to be decreasing. Cases of influenza A and influenza B are being reported. Most influenza cases being reported in Washtenaw County are influenza A. Influenza A wastewater detection is currently at high levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti. Influenza B wastewater detection is currently at low levels in both Ann Arbor and Ypsilanti.”
MONROE COUNTY – Stomach viruses, spring allergies, asthma flare-ups.
Dr. Laura Grima -- ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Family Medicine Residency
“Over the past week, we’ve observed a decline in influenza activity. As we transition into spring, however, we’re beginning to see an increase in symptoms of allergic rhinitis. As a reminder, continue practicing good hand hygiene, and if you’re feeling unwell, please stay home to help prevent the spread of illness.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Spring allergies, strep throat, influenza, outdoor injuries.
Dr. Michael Kitto -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“The number of influenza cases has significantly tapered off over the past week after weeks of sustained high volumes. After a season of steady and notable volumes of COVID-19, the number of patients testing positive has substantially decreased. There continues to be a steady number of patients seeking care for orthopedic and soft tissue injuries.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Allergy flare ups along with strep throat and the flu are common right now.“
