Ellen DeGeneres, the beloved host of the long-running chat show that recently ended after 19 seasons, has been making headlines again. This time, it’s about her personal battle with COVID-19 and the unexpected symptom she experienced – excruciating back pain.
At the height of the pandemic, DeGeneres tested positive for COVID-19 and decided to step away from the spotlight. She wanted to focus on her passion for animal conservation and had just completed The Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. Little did she know that along with the virus, she would also experience severe back pain.
In a social media update, DeGeneres expressed her surprise at this symptom and reassured her fans that she had been following all the proper precautions when she contracted the virus in December 2020. She even declared that she was feeling “100%” a week later. But there was something about the condition that medical professionals often don’t mention – the debilitating back pain that can accompany it.
“I feel fantastic,” DeGeneres proclaimed in an appearance on “Jimmy Kimmel Live!” on April 20th. “But what they don’t tell you is that you will have severe back pain. I had no notion that was a symptom until I spoke with a few other people.”
During the early stages of the pandemic, when DeGeneres contracted the virus, there was less research into the wide range of symptoms. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) did not initially include back pain as a recognized symptom. However, muscle and bodily aches were listed, which included back pain.
This revelation highlights the importance of understanding that COVID-19 symptoms can vary from person to person. The NHS explains that many patients may have had preexisting aches and pains before becoming unwell with COVID-19, and the illness may have exacerbated these difficulties. Reduced activity levels due to illness can lead to muscle weakness and discomfort.
Furthermore, the rise in work-from-home opportunities and restrictions on socializing and outdoor activities have contributed to increased back pain reports. Lack of mobility and prolonged periods of sitting can take a toll on our bodies, causing aches and pains.
It’s crucial to note that experiencing back pain does not automatically mean that an individual has COVID-19. Various factors can contribute to backache, and if accompanied by other symptoms such as nasal congestion, coughing, or fever, it may be indicative of other illnesses like the flu.
In conclusion, Ellen DeGeneres’ unexpected experience with back pain as a symptom of COVID-19 has shed light on the diverse range of symptoms associated with the virus. It serves as a reminder that we should all remain vigilant and prioritize our health, seeking medical attention when necessary.
