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 – COVID, viral illnesses, asthma flare-ups, stomach viruses, rashes.
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud -- Trinity Health Livonia Emergency Medicine Physician
“This past week, we’ve seen a noticeable rise in respiratory infections, which is common this time of year with the seasonal change and children returning to school. Parents should also be aware that rashes are frequently showing up in kids as they get back into classrooms, often linked to viral illnesses or skin contact. Good handwashing, keeping kids home when sick, and avoiding close contact can help reduce spread. At the same time, cardiovascular disease continues to be a major concern in our community. We encourage everyone to take preventive steps such as staying active, eating a heart-healthy diet, not smoking, and keeping blood pressure and cholesterol under control.”
Dr. Kevin Dazy -- Children’s Hospital of Michigan
“I’m still worried about COVID. We’re in an uptick and it may continue. We’re also seeing seasonal viruses and asthma. We’re not seeing RSV and flu yet, but we are moving toward flu season. Please talk to your pediatrician about seasonal vaccinations.”
Dr. Joseph Schramski -- Emergency Center Vice-Chief, Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital
“We are starting to see a lot of (non-specific) viral infections popping up in kids, likely related to school being back in session. Most of these viruses are mild, but we have also had some COVID and a small incidence of stomach flu.”
OAKLAND COUNTY— Fall allergies, sore throats, colds, asthma flare-ups, poison ivy, insect bites & stings.
Dr. Moneer Al-Nabolsi -- Family Medicine Physician, Corewell Health Farmington Hills Hospital
“We are seeing the following:
- Heat-related lightheadedness/syncope: We saw a brief bump during recent excessive heat. That has largely calmed down as temperatures eased; most cases looked dehydration/vasovagal rather than cardiac.
- Allergic-type symptoms: Noticeable uptick in sneezing, itchy/watery eyes, and congestion, consistent with late-summer outdoor allergens.
- Rashes from outdoor exposure/yard work/travel: More poison ivy–type rashes, insect bites/stings with local reactions, and contact dermatitis from plants/sunscreens/yard chemicals.
- Dry skin/dermatitis flares: More xerosis/eczema exacerbations, likely from AC, frequent hand-washing, and travel.
Tips:
- Hydrate and consider an electrolyte beverage if outdoors; take breaks in the shade.
- For allergies: daily non-sedating antihistamine and a saline rinse can help.
- For rashes: rinse after yard work, use protective clothing/gloves, and apply bland moisturizer; short courses of low- to mid-potency topical steroids for itchy patches if previously advised by a clinician.”
Dr. Rena Daiza -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.
“This week we’ve seen patients for allergies from fall pollen and mold, sore throats caused by dry or chilly evening air, asthma flare-ups triggered by changing weather, and common colds from sudden temperature shifts.”
WASHTENAW COUNTY – Croup, COVID, asthma flare-ups, hand foot & mouth disease, influenza, stomach viruses.
Dr. Brad Uren -- Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine, Michigan Medicine
“We are still seeing a fair amount of patients with shortness of breath. This primarily affects individuals with underlying lung problems like asthma and COPD. The triggers are upper respiratory vital infections including COVID. Allergies have played a role in this recently as well.”
MONROE COUNTY – Breathing problems, asthma flare-ups, seasonal allergies, orthopedic & head injuries.
ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital Emergency Center
“We continue to see a high volume of respiratory-related concerns, particularly asthma and allergies, affecting both children and older adults. To help reduce symptoms, we recommend staying indoors when air quality levels reach the orange or red zones, and considering over-the-counter allergy medications as needed.
Additionally, there has been a noticeable rise in orthopaedic and head injuries, especially among school-aged children and older adults. We encourage taking appropriate safety precautions during physical activities to help prevent these types of injuries.”
MACOMB COUNTY – Sinus infections, seasonal allergies, asthma flare-ups, insect bites, stomach viruses, upper respiratory infections.
Dr. Ben Doerr -- Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb
“Following the holiday weekend, there was a significant spike in the volume of patients seeking care for orthopedic injuries, mostly those sustained in a fall or from an athletic event. Though testing negative for COVID-19 or influenza, viral infections mirroring the symptoms of an upper respiratory infection, such as congestion, sore throat, and persistent cough, have been a common diagnosis. Viral gastrointestinal infections have also been treated, though in a lesser volume.”
Dr. Maria Samuel -- Primary Care Physician, Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights
“Sinus infections, allergies, asthma flares and insect bites seen this week.”
LIVINGSTON COUNTY -- Stomach viruses, seasonal allergies.
Trinity Health Livingston Emergency Department and the Brighton Medical Center
“We have been treating a lot of patients dealing with abdominal pain, nausea, and vomiting complaints (viral gastroenteritis).”