Ellen DeGeneres is undoubtedly one of the most famous talk show hosts in history. Although her show didn’t conclude on the highest of notes, she remains a well-recognized figure in many households.
When Ellen’s talk show wrapped up after 19 seasons, many reflected on both the highs and lows of her journey. One of the challenging moments she faced was when she tested positive for COVID-19.
As a woman in her 60s, she had to be particularly cautious about her health, especially with a disease that was claiming many lives. Unfortunately, she contracted the illness during the peak of the pandemic, which intensified her situation since the virus was still quite potent.
This period also coincided with her decision to step back from her talk show after allegations surfaced about a toxic work environment. Seeking refuge, she hoped to stay safe, but she couldn’t escape the grip of COVID.
After her diagnosis, she took to social media to share her experience. One unexpected symptom she mentioned was severe back pain, which caught her off guard.
When she tested positive for the virus in December 2020, she assured everyone that she was adhering to all the necessary precautions. A week later, she provided a health update, confidently stating that she was feeling “100%.”
She also revealed that there are things doctors often don’t mention. She elaborated on this during her appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! on April 20, where she expressed, “I feel fantastic,” while discussing her health.
She continued by saying, “What they don’t mention is that severe back pain can be a real issue. I had no idea this was a symptom until I talked to a few others. Who would have thought?”
When she first got the disease, there wasn’t much information available since it was still quite new. The Centers for Disease Control in the U.S. didn’t list back pain as a symptom at the beginning of the pandemic, but they did mention that people might experience ‘muscle or bodily aches.’
Other COVID-19 symptoms include fever or chills, cough, shortness of breath, fatigue, headaches, loss of taste or smell, sore throat, nasal congestion or runny nose, nausea or vomiting, and diarrhea.
The NHS addressed the issue of back pain along with joint and muscle problems, stating, “Many patients may have experienced some aches and pains prior to falling ill with COVID. The illness could have aggravated these existing issues.”
They further explained, “Individuals who are sick with COVID tend to be less active than usual, which can lead to stiffness, aches, and muscle weakness.”
If you already have weak muscles, staying active each day can help keep them flexible and strong. As you become less active while unwell, the pain symptoms may become more noticeable.
This is also a common occurrence for those who contract other illnesses, such as pneumonia.
It’s just one more thing to add to the list of concerns, I suppose.
