Former President Bill Clinton was rushed to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital on Christmas Eve. He stayed under observation after a dangerous fever, marking his latest health challenge since leaving office nearly a quarter-century ago.
“President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu. He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received,” his office said in a statement.
The 78-year-old former president was admitted Monday afternoon with a dangerous fever and had to stay under observation, according to Deputy Chief of Staff Angel Urena.
“He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all,” Urena added.
Clinton’s hospitalization comes amid a surge in flu cases nationwide. The CDC reports approximately five hospitalizations per 100,000 people in mid-December, with rates doubling over the past two weeks. The agency estimates at least 1.9 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations, and 970 deaths from flu this season.
Clinton has faced numerous health scares since leaving office in 2001. He underwent quadruple bypass heart surgery in 2004, experienced a partially collapsed lung in 2005, and had two stents inserted into a coronary artery in 2010.
In 2021, he spent six days in a Los Angeles hospital for a urological infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton came down with the fever after an active schedule this fall, campaigning extensively for Vice President Kamala Harris and promoting his new book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.”
He also spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August.
The former president’s hospitalization occurred as flu activity rises across the United States, with healthcare visits for flu cases exceeding normal levels since late November.