Washington
CNN
—
Former President Bill Clinton was released from the hospital Tuesday, one day after being hospitalized with the flu, his office said.
“President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for influenza. He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and have been touched by the kind messages and well wishes he has received. He sends his warmest wishes for a happy holiday season,” his office said in a statement. And healthy for everyone.
Clinton, 78, was admitted to the hospital on Monday afternoon for tests and observation after suffering from a fever.
Since leaving the White House nearly a quarter-century ago, the 42nd president has suffered numerous health scares.
He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in New York in 2004 and suffered a partially collapsed lung the following year. He underwent another heart surgery in 2010, when two stents were inserted into his coronary artery.
He was hospitalized in Los Angeles for six days in 2021 with a urinary tract infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August and has been unusually active on the campaign trail this fall. He’s maintained an aggressive travel schedule since the election with the release of his new book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.”
Influenza activity is increasing across the United States, according to surveillance data from the US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Health care visits for influenza-like illness have been above baseline levels since the end of November, and hospitalization rates have doubled over the past two weeks; There were about 5 hospitalizations due to influenza per 100,000 people during the second week of December. The CDC estimates there have been at least 1.9 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 970 deaths from influenza so far this season.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people… They are more at risk For severe illness, including people 65 years and older. The flu can be treated with prescription antiviral medications such as Tamiflu. The medication is most effective when started within two days after symptoms appear and can reduce symptoms and reduce the amount of time people feel sick.
This story has been updated with background information.
CNN’s Deidre McPhillips and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.
