Oprah Winfrey has downplayed the seriousness of her recent hospital visit following reports the talk show host was “rushed” to hospital in emergency circumstances.
The 70-year-old TV star was scheduled to appear on CBS Mornings in New York on Tuesday, but was unable to make it.
WATCH THE VIDEO ABOVE: Oprah Winfrey gives an update on her health.
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The show’s host Gayle King went into some serious detail, saying Winfrey had been taken to hospital with a stomach flu that had resulted in “stuff coming out of both ends”.
King, 69, said the flu was a “very serious thing,” which sparked fears that Winfrey was very unwell.
On Wednesday, King uploaded a video chat with Winfrey to Instagram, in which the talk show queen clarified that she wasn’t exactly on death’s door.
She said she had been suffering from dehydration as she battled the stomach bug and was struggling to keep water down, so she took herself off to hospital, where she was hooked up to an IV drip to get fluids in.
“It was actually the emergency room … I couldn’t keep enough water down to keep hydrated and I went to the emergency room for that, and that’s just it,” Winfrey said during a Zoom chat with King.
“I’m not 100 per cent.
“I will say, keep your hands washed.
“Doctors told me (the virus) lives on railings and door knobs for 10 hours.”
King went on to say she hoped Winfrey wasn’t “upset” at her for triggering sensational headlines.
“The point I was trying to make … is that it would have to be something that would keep her from getting a plane and coming (to New York for the show),” she said.
“I was too weak to get on the plane,” Winfrey concurred.
Winfrey said she wasn’t, but added: “Everyone I have ever known that has access to my email called me to ask if I’m all right.”
Fans were pleased that Winfrey was on the road to recovery.
“Feel better and get rest, Lady O,” one fan said.
“We are all here for you.”
“Glad she’s doing OK!” added another.
“Feel better, Oprah!” added a third.
“It’s going around!”
Winfrey’s hospitalisation comes after a dramatic body transformation.
Winfrey told People Magazine in December that she has added a “weight-loss medication to her regimen” but didn’t specify which drug.
Earlier this year, Winfrey said she had previously played a role in promoting unhealthy diets.
“I want to acknowledge that I have been a steadfast participant in this diet culture,” she said during a live event broadcast on YouTube in partnership with WeightWatchers.
“Through my platforms, through the magazine, through the talk show for 25 years and online.
“I’ve been a major contributor to it.
“I cannot tell you how many weight loss shows and makeovers I have done, and they have been a staple since I’ve been working in television.”
— with CNN
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