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, hand foot & mouth disease, asthma & COPD flare-ups, stomach viruses, fall-related injuries.
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“Over the past week, the Emergency Department has observed an increase in patients presenting with shortness of breath, primarily associated with viral illnesses common during seasonal transitions. We encourage community members to take appropriate precautions, including practicing proper hand hygiene, wearing masks when unwell, and remaining at home if experiencing symptoms. In addition, several cases of COVID-19 have been identified, and we are also continuing to see fall-related injuries among older adults. We encourage families and caregivers to check in with elderly relatives, ensure their living spaces are safe, and support them in staying active and steady on their feet. A simple conversation and a few safety measures at home can go a long way in keeping loved ones well and preventing avoidable injuries.”
Dr. Daniel Taylor -- Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Sinai-Grace Hospital
“We’re seeing lots of patients coming in due to complications from respiratory disease due to the recent humidity, particularly patients with asthma and COPD. The cooler temperatures and lower humidity this week and next should be helpful to many.”
Dr. Tiffney Widner -- Pediatrician, Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“We’re doing more physicals than anything. But we’re also seeing allergy flares with the up and down with the weather, and some colds. We’ve had some hand-foot-mouth cases; we usually see that in the summer.”
Dr. Glen Clark -- Emergency Center Chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Grosse Pointe Hospital
“We are seeing viral stomach flu cases. No real COVID or influenza. Also, continued exacerbations of lung problems such as asthma somewhat due to air quality.”
OAKLAND COUNTY— Asthma flare-ups, outdoor injuries, sports injuries.
Dr. Justin Skrzynski -- Internal Medicine Physician, Corewell Health William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak
“At the moment, it’s largely business as usual at the hospital, with our teams managing the typical illnesses we encounter throughout the year. However, with autumn on the horizon, we’re approaching the start of cold and flu season. Now is a great time for individuals to schedule their checkups and ensure they’re up to date on vaccinations to stay healthy through the fall.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“We continue to see asthma flare-ups, especially in children and people with chronic respiratory conditions. These problems are made worse by high pollen levels and changing temperatures. Also, outdoor injuries from sports and accidents are rising as more people engage in physical activity outdoors.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Hand foot & mouth disease, outdoor injuries, croup, asthma flare-ups, upper respiratory infections, Covid.
Dr. Stuart Bradin -- Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing croup, asthma, lots of hand foot and mouth disease and lots of orthopedic trauma.”
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are seeing a mild uptick in upper respiratory infections, including COVID cases this week.”
MONROE COUNTY – Covid, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, breathing problems.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Emergency Center
“We have seen an increase in COVID-19 patients, mostly among the elderly population. We’ve also observed a significant increase in allergies, asthma, and other respiratory conditions, leading to breathing difficulties across all age groups. These issues are most prevalent among the elderly. Helpful precautions include staying indoors when air quality levels reach orange or red, using over-the-counter allergy medications, and practicing thorough hand hygiene.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Breathing problems, asthma & COPD flare-ups, sports injuries, Covid, seasonal allergies, bee stings, poison ivy.
Dr. Matthew Steck -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Environmental conditions have caused a spike in the volume of patients seeking care for respiratory distress, such as asthma or COPD exacerbation. The beginnings of high school and youth sports have continued the summer-long trend of patients seeking treatment for orthopedic and soft tissue injuries. After a couple of weeks of noticeable volumes of upper respiratory and gastrointestinal viral infections, there has been a significant drop in patient infections. During these last few weeks of summer, the ER team would like to offer a quick reminder to take extra caution when in and around water to ensure your safety and the safety of those around you.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“This week, we’re seeing COVID cases, asthma and allergy flares, bee stings and poison ivy rashes.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY -- Stomach viruses, summer injuries, breathing problems.
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center
“More abdominal and GI complaints again this week, as well as summertime injuries.”