President Joe Biden’s symptoms have “almost resolved completely” after testing positive for COVID-19 last Wednesday, according to a White House press release.
After completing his tenth dose of the antiviral Paxlovid, his pulse, blood pressure, respiratory rate, and temperature remain normal, his doctor, Kevin O’Connor, stated in the release. His oxygen saturation is “excellent” in room air, and his lungs remain clear, which are all markers of recovery and general health.
Despite his illness, Biden continues to perform his presidential duties. However, he has canceled all public appearances since his diagnosis, and the White House has not yet announced when he will resume them.
The update follows a significant announcement from the president, who said on Sunday that he would not seek reelection. Citing concerns about his age and health, Biden expressed his support for Vice President Kamala Harris as his successor.
Older adults are generally at higher risk for severe COVID-19, but health experts predicted that Biden’s vaccination status and prompt treatment with Paxlovid would likely result in a full recovery from the immediate infection. There is still a risk for long-term symptoms, known as long COVID, which can include fatigue, brain fog, and breathlessness.
This is the president’s second bout with COVID-19, having previously been infected in July 2022.
According to O’Connor’s medical reports, Biden has been in generally good health, with his most recent annual physical conducted in February.
However, Biden’s performance in a recent televised debate against Republican nominee and former president Donald Trump was criticized. Biden appeared frail and sometimes struggled to finish sentences, leading to speculation about his health. O’Connor has dismissed concerns about Biden’s stiff gait, stating it has not worsened.
O’Connor also addressed earlier reports about the president’s neurologist visits, clarifying that the specialist treats many patients at the White House and has only seen Biden during his annual physicals.
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) recommends that individuals with active COVID-19 or other respiratory infections stay home and avoid others for at least 24 hours after symptoms improve and their temperature returns to normal without medication. Those who continue to test positive are believed to shed very little virus after that period.
