Overview of This Week's Trends
According to reports from multiple hospitals and clinics in Metro Detroit (as of May 22, 2026), the following health issues are most prevalent this week:
- Stomach viruses (gastroenteritis): High incidence of nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal cramps.
- Outdoor sports injuries: Increased ankle and wrist sprains, bicycle and scooter-related trauma.
- Seasonal allergies: Congestion, itchy eyes, sinus pressure caused by pollen and dust mites.
- Rashes and insect bites: Common in children, including contact dermatitis (e.g., poison ivy) and bug bites.
- Respiratory illnesses: Including common colds, asthma flare-ups, and COPD exacerbations.
County-by-County Details
Wayne County
Dr. Ayed Mahmoud, Emergency Medicine Physician at Trinity Health Livonia: “Over the past week, we have seen an increasing number of patients with gastroenteritis symptoms, including nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal cramping and dehydration. We encourage the community to stay hydrated, wash hands frequently, avoid sharing food or drinks, and stay home when feeling ill. As temperatures continue to rise, we are also seeing more heat-related illnesses such as heat exhaustion and dehydration. Residents are advised to drink plenty of fluids, avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak hours, and check on elderly family members and vulnerable individuals during hot weather.”
Dr. Zafar Shamoon, Emergency Center Chief at Corewell Health Dearborn Hospital: “We’re seeing a lot of minor injuries right now, especially from outdoor sports — things like ankle and wrist injuries in kids. Asthma cases are still common this time of year, and we’re also continuing to see a number of individuals for mental health concerns — more pediatrics lately it seems like.”
Oakland County
Dr. Ian Walker, Emergency Physician at DMC Huron Valley-Sinai Hospital: “Anytime the weather gets warmer, it adds trauma-type injuries, from outdoor home maintenance injuries like falling off ladders or strains to sports-related injuries from things like biking or running or, in our area, boating-related injuries. Other than that, this week we’ve been seeing the typical emergency visits: abdominal pain, chest pain, etc.”
Dr. Rena Daiza, Primary Care Physician at Henry Ford Medical Center Bloomfield Twp.: “This week in primary care is seeing a lot of short-term stomach bugs right now, most commonly viral gastroenteritis, which usually resolves on its own within a few days. Treatment is mainly supportive with hydration (water or electrolyte drinks), bland foods as tolerated, rest, and avoiding greasy or dairy-heavy foods until symptoms improve.”
Dr. Karolina Maksimowski, Medical Director of Pediatric Emergency at Children’s Hospital of Michigan TROY: “We’re still seeing a lot of gastroenteritis with vomiting and diarrhea. And with summertime here, please make sure kids are wearing helmets when they are on any toy or vehicle with wheels, especially bikes, including electric bikes, scooters, rollerblades and skateboards.”
Additionally, Dayvid Basho, Pharmacy Manager at Lake Orion CVS, noted: “Due to the recent water contamination issue, many residents are experiencing GI discomfort and dehydration, driving a spike in demand for rehydration products like Liquid I.V. Many patients are surprised by how intense seasonal allergy symptoms have been and are seeking guidance on safe, non-drowsy daily allergy relief.”
Washtenaw County
Dr. Stuart Bradin, Clinical Professor of Emergency Medicine and Pediatrics at Michigan Medicine: “We are still seeing croup, viral respiratory illness like human rhinoenterovirus, lots of asthma and gastrointestinal illness. We are also starting to see more orthopedic injuries as the weather gets nicer.”
Dr. Brad Uren, Clinical Associate Professor of Emergency Medicine at Michigan Medicine: “We are seeing a slight surge in upper respiratory illnesses, as well as more gastroenteritis on the adult side. Warm weather injuries, such as outdoor recreation injuries, are also on the rise with the improving weather.”
Washtenaw County Health Department reports: Influenza cases currently at low levels. Influenza A H3N2 is dominating the 2025-2026 season. Influenza-related deaths have been reported locally this season.
Monroe County
Dr. Nicholas Schenk, Family Medicine Residency at ProMedica Monroe Regional Hospital: “This week, we have been seeing a spike in viral gastrointestinal illnesses. Both adults and children have experienced episodes of nausea and loose bowel movements lasting a few days. In general, symptoms are mild but uncomfortable.”
Macomb County
Dr. Osama Fashho, Emergency Physician at McLaren Macomb: “There has been a slight, yet noticeable, increase in the number of patients experiencing symptoms of a viral upper respiratory infection, including cough, congestion, sore throat, and nausea, though none have tested positive for the flu, COVID-19, or RSV. Various allergens have been causing minor breathing complications for asthma sufferers and those living with COPD. The summer trend of orthopedic and soft tissue injuries stemming from increased outdoor activities, including those sustained in motor and boating vehicles, continues.”
Dr. Maria Samuel, Primary Care Physician at Henry Ford Medical Center Sterling Heights: “With the weather favoring more outdoor activities, we are seeing allergies and rashes along with some viral colds.”
Lisa Pineros Jacobs, Pharmacy Manager at Chesterfield CVS: “We are currently seeing a wide range of seasonal and community-related illnesses, including nonspecific allergy symptoms, ear, nose, and throat infections, upper and lower respiratory infections, as well as some rashes and skin infections. Many patients initially come to the pharmacy seeking guidance.”
Doctors' Comprehensive Recommendations
- GI protection: Wash hands frequently, avoid sharing utensils, avoid raw or cold foods. If symptoms appear, isolate at home and hydrate with oral rehydration salts or electrolyte drinks.
- Outdoor safety: Always wear a helmet when biking, scootering, or skating. Be cautious during gardening or home maintenance to prevent falls. Avoid prolonged sun exposure during peak heat; carry water at all times.
- Allergy management: Take non-drowsy antihistamines (e.g., loratadine) proactively. Keep windows closed, change clothes and shower after returning indoors.
- When to seek medical care: Persistent vomiting, signs of severe dehydration (low urine output, dry mouth, dizziness), difficulty breathing, or signs of wound infection warrant prompt medical attention.