NEW YORK — Former President Bill Clinton has offered an encouraging update on his recovery after spending several days hospitalized, expressing gratitude to his doctors, nurses and supporters while signaling that he intends to remain active in the years ahead.
In a video message shared Wednesday, Clinton appeared somewhat weakened but remained upbeat as he discussed his recent health scare. The former president thanked those who reached out with messages of support and praised the medical professionals who cared for him during his treatment.
Clinton specifically expressed appreciation for the staff at UC Irvine Medical Center, where he spent about a week receiving care.
“I was so touched by the outpouring of support I received during my stay in the hospital,” Clinton said, thanking supporters and medical personnel for their concern and assistance.
An aide told The Associated Press that Clinton was hospitalized after a urological infection spread into his bloodstream. The aide said Clinton was recovering and had not developed septic shock.
Doctors treating the former president also reported signs of improvement. 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.
According to Amin, Clinton was expected to return home to New York to complete his prescribed course of antibiotics.
Clinton later indicated that he was pleased to be home and increasingly confident about his recovery.
“I’m doing great,” he said, describing himself as being on the road to recovery.
The hospitalization generated widespread public attention, particularly given Clinton’s age and decades of involvement in American public life. The 42nd president, who served from 1993 to 2001, has remained active since leaving the White House through public speaking, political engagement, charitable initiatives and the work of the Clinton Foundation.
In his message, Clinton also used his experience to encourage people to take their health seriously. He urged individuals to listen to their bodies, pay attention when something does not feel right and seek appropriate medical attention when necessary.
The former president emphasized that people have responsibilities not only to themselves but also to their families, communities and the broader future.
Now recovering outside the hospital, Clinton faces the next stage of his treatment from home while completing his medication. His latest public message offered supporters a reassuring glimpse of his condition after what had been a concerning health episode.
For Clinton, the message was ultimately one of gratitude and determination. After a serious infection led to hospitalization, the former president said he is focused on regaining his strength and continuing to contribute where he can.
