Strep throat, bug bites, summer allergies, asthma flare-ups

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 – Fever & cough, strep throat, bug bites, weed pollen allergies, heat-related issues, dehydration, kidney stones.

Dr. Kelly Levasseur — Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency, Children’s Hospital of Michigan

“Children’s Hospital of Michigan has been seeing a number of patients with febrile illness, with symptoms of cough and runny nose, along with strep throat. We are also seeing lot of kids suffering from bug bites that are causing swelling.”

Dr. Jonathan Lovy — Internal Medicine Physician, Corewell Health Trenton Hospital

“As we move through late summer in Detroit, respiratory viruses are on the decline, and spring pollens are fading. However, weed pollens are on the rise, so we’re seeing fewer fevers and more sneezing and itchy eyes. For those with asthma or COPD, this shift means a higher risk of flares and bronchitis—so stay on top of your controller medications and inhalers. And with the summer heat, we’re also seeing more cases of dehydration, kidney stones, and kidney injury—even with brief time outdoors – so don’t forget to hydrate.”

OAKLAND COUNTY— Dehydration, mononucleosis, breathing problems, summer injuries.

Dr. Susan Bork — Director of Operations, Emergency Center, William Beaumont University Hospital in Royal Oak

“As we move through the summer months, our Emergency Department continues to see low rates of COVID-19, RSV, and influenza. However, we are currently experiencing an increase in visits related to mild seasonal viruses that commonly circulate this time of year. These viruses often present with sore throats and upper respiratory symptoms, which can be especially uncomfortable in the current heat and humidity.

In addition, we are seeing a number of asthma exacerbations and heat-related illnesses, including dehydration. We urge everyone to take precautions when spending time outdoors:

• Stay well-hydrated by drinking plenty of fluids.

• Avoid prolonged exposure to high heat and humidity, especially during peak midday hours.

• Individuals with chronic respiratory conditions, such as asthma, should be particularly vigilant and have their medications readily available.

We continue to monitor community health trends and remain ready to provide care. Stay safe, stay cool, and stay hydrated.”

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

“This week there was an uptick in heat related illnesses. Symptoms such as muscle cramps, dizziness, nausea, and weakness are prevalent, especially among vulnerable populations like the elderly, children, and those with chronic conditions. Stay hydrated, avoid the midday sun, wear light clothing, and take breaks in cool, shaded areas to prevent heat-related illness.”

Dr. Matthew Compton — Chief of Emergency Medicine, DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital in Commerce Township

“We have been seeing lots of summertime activity injuries. That includes injuries from motorized vehicles as well as bikes, yard work and recreation activities. The air quality is also not good, and this affects chronic lung disease patients with asthma and COPD in particular.”

Dr. David Donaldson — Emergency Center chief, Corewell Health Beaumont Troy Hospital

“We’re not seeing a lot of respiratory infections as of late. However, we have seen a little uptick in mono and some dehydration with the warm weather.”

WASHTENAW COUNTY – Cold viruses, croup, stomach viruses, hand foot & mouth disease, upper respiratory infections, Covid, heat-related illnesses.

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

“There are several patients with URIs, including COVID, this week. There is also an increase in GI illness, though this is mild for most people. There is some increase in heat-related illness with the warmer weather, typically among patients with heart failure, kidney disease, or other conditions that increase their risk.”

Dr. Stuart Bradin — Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics, Michigan Medicine

“There is a lot of human rhino enterovirus, some croup and GI illness. We are also seeing hand, foot, and mouth disease and orthopedic trauma.”

MONROE COUNTY – did not report this week.

MACOMB COUNTY – Respiratory viruses, stomach viruses, bug bites, summer allergies, asthma flare-ups, summer injuries.

Dr. Joseph Carlier — Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb

“The summer-long trend of orthopedic and soft tissue injuries has continued, injuries sustained in outdoor activities. While not a spike or a trend, a low trend of viral upper respiratory infections has patients experiencing symptoms of a mild cough and congestion. Summer allergies continue to cause asthma sufferers to experience exacerbated symptoms, the most severe of which are sending patients to the ER with complicated breathing.”

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

“Viral respiratory infections, gastroenteritis (stomach flu), insect bites, allergies are going around this week.”

LIVINGSTON COUNTY — Summer injuries, summer allergies, asthma flare-ups.

“The Livingston ED has seen a fair amount of summertime injuries. Mostly from falls (wrist, elbow, knee, ankle, etc.) and laceration repairs.”