Former President Bill Clinton, 78, was admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital in Washington, D.C., on December 23, 2024, after developing a fever. Clinton’s hospitalization is reportedly for testing and observation, though he’s feeling better.
Health Update
“The president is fine,” Angel Urena, deputy chief of staff to Clinton, told CNN. “He remains in good spirits and deeply appreciates the excellent care he is receiving.”While the exact cause of the fever has not been disclosed, some reports suggest dehydration as a potential factor. He is expected to be discharged by December 24, in time for Christmas.
Throughout his post-presidential years, Clinton has faced several health challenges, particularly concerning his cardiovascular system. In 2004, he underwent quadruple bypass surgery after experiencing prolonged chest pains and shortness of breath. The following year, he had surgery for a partially collapsed lung. In 2010, he had two coronary stents implanted in his heart.
In October 2021, Clinton was hospitalized for six days in California due to a non-COVID-related infection that led to sepsis. He responded well to treatment and was released after a full recovery, according to CNN.
Despite these health issues, Clinton has remained active in public life. He addressed the Democratic National Convention in Chicago in August 2024 and campaigned for Democratic candidates ahead of the November elections, where he expressed his gratitude for his service.
“Let me say, not a single day goes by, even though I’ve been gone for well over 23 years from the White House, not a day goes by that I don’t thank the Lord for the chance I had to serve, and what it meant. One of the reasons I love the job so much is that in the toughest times, even on the darkest days, if you tried hard enough, there was always something good you could do for somebody else,” he said, as Yahoo! reports.
His recent public appearances have been well-received, though some observers noted his older appearance and hoarse voice during his speech at the convention.
Support from the Public
Clinton’s hospitalization has prompted an outpouring of support from political figures and the public. Many have taken to social media to express their well-wishes for his speedy recovery. The Clinton family has expressed gratitude for the support and has requested privacy during this time.
As of now, there is no indication that Clinton’s current condition is life-threatening, at least according to a source who spoke to NBC News. Medical experts suggest that, given his age and medical history, hospitalization for a fever is a precautionary measure to ensure comprehensive evaluation and treatment.
The former president’s commitment to a healthier lifestyle, including adopting a plant-based diet after his 2010 heart procedure, has been well-documented. He has credited these lifestyle changes with improving his health and vitality in the years following his heart surgeries.
The public awaits further updates on Clinton’s condition. For now, he remains under medical supervision, with doctors closely monitoring his health to ensure a full and swift recovery.
