Washington
CNN
—
Former President Bill Clinton was released from the hospital Tuesday, a day after being admitted for the flu, his office said.
“President Clinton was removed from office 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 has received. He extends his warmest wishes to everyone for a happy and healthy holiday season,” his office said in a statement.
Clinton, 78, was admitted to the hospital Monday afternoon for testing and observation after developing a fever.
Since leaving the White House nearly a quarter century ago, the 42nd president has experienced several health problems.
He underwent quadruple heart bypass surgery in New York in 2004 and suffered a partially collapsed lung the following year. He underwent another heart procedure in 2010, during which two stents were inserted into a coronary artery.
He was hospitalized in Los Angeles for six days in 2021 for a urological infection that spread to his bloodstream.
Clinton spoke at the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August and was extraordinarily active on the campaign trail this fall. He kept a busy travel schedule since the election with the release of his new book, “Citizen: My Life After the White House.”
Flu activity is increasing across the United States, according to surveillance data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Medical visits for flu-like illnesses have been above baseline levels since late November and hospitalization rates have doubled in the past two weeks; there were approximately 5 flu hospitalizations per 100,000 people during the second week of December. There have been at least 1.9 million illnesses, 23,000 hospitalizations and 970 deaths from the flu so far this season, according to CDC estimates.
Anyone can get the flu, but some people are more at risk for serious illnesses, including people aged 65 and over. The flu can be treated with prescription antiviral medications such as Tamiflu. The medication is most effective when started within two days of symptoms and can ease symptoms and reduce the length of time people feel sick.
This story has been updated with general information.
CNN’s Deidre McPhillips and Jamie Gumbrecht contributed to this report.