NEW YORK — Former President Bill Clinton has offered a reassuring update on his health after spending nearly a week hospitalized with an infection, thanking the doctors, nurses and supporters who helped him through the medical emergency.
In a video message shared after his release, Clinton appeared somewhat weakened but remained upbeat. He said he was grateful for the widespread support he received during his hospitalization and expressed appreciation for the medical professionals who treated him at UC Irvine Medical Center in Orange, California.
“I was so touched by the outpouring of support I received during my stay in the hospital,” Clinton said, thanking those who contacted him and his family while he was receiving care.
The former president was hospitalized after experiencing an infection that began in the urinary system and spread into his bloodstream, according to an aide familiar with his condition. The aide said Clinton was recovering and had not developed septic shock, a severe complication that can occur when the body responds dangerously to an infection.
Doctors Report Improvement
Clinton was admitted to UC Irvine Medical Center after reportedly feeling fatigued while visiting Southern California. His illness was described by his spokesperson as unrelated to COVID-19.
Doctors treated him with intravenous antibiotics and fluids while monitoring his condition. Alpesh Amin, chair of the Department of Medicine and executive director of hospital medicine at UC Irvine Medical Center, said Clinton’s fever and white blood cell count had returned to normal.
Amin also confirmed that Clinton had been discharged and would return to New York to complete his prescribed course of antibiotics. The medical team said it would continue monitoring his progress after he left the hospital.
During his stay, Clinton’s spokesperson said his health indicators were moving in the right direction and that he was in good spirits. Reports also indicated that Clinton spent time with family, communicated with friends and remained engaged with events outside the hospital.
His wife, former Secretary of State Hillary Clinton, visited him during the hospitalization and accompanied him when he left the medical center.
Clinton Encourages People to Take Health Seriously
In his video message, Clinton said he was pleased to be home and described himself as being on the road to recovery.
“I’m really glad to be back home,” he said, adding that he was doing well and enjoying the fall weather. He also encouraged people to pay attention to their health and seek medical advice when something does not feel right.
Clinton urged individuals to listen to their bodies, take warning signs seriously and recognize their responsibilities to their families and communities. He said he intended to do his best to remain active and continue contributing for years to come.
The message offered a more personal perspective following several days of public concern over his condition. Although the infection required hospital treatment, doctors said Clinton responded to antibiotics and showed measurable signs of improvement before his discharge.
A Long History of Public Service
Clinton served as the 42nd president of the United States from 1993 to 2001. Since leaving the White House, he has remained involved in public speaking, charitable initiatives, international development efforts and the work of the Clinton Foundation.
The former president has also faced several significant health challenges. He underwent quadruple bypass surgery in 2004 after experiencing heart problems, had surgery for a partially collapsed lung in 2005 and received coronary stents in 2010.
Those medical episodes have made updates about Clinton’s health a matter of public interest. His latest message, however, focused on gratitude rather than alarm, as he thanked hospital staff and supporters for their care and encouragement.
Now recovering at home and continuing his medication, Clinton faces the next stage of his treatment outside the hospital. His comments suggested that his condition was improving, while also emphasizing the importance of medical attention and personal responsibility.
For supporters, the update provided a welcome indication that the former president was regaining his strength. Clinton’s message combined appreciation for those who cared for him with a determination to remain engaged in public and charitable life.
