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George H.W. Bush’s ‘spirits high’ after hospitalization for pneumonia

Posted at 10:23 AM, Apr 19, 2017
and last updated 2017-04-19 12:23:29-04

HOUSTON — A spokesman for former President George H.W. Bush said the 92-year-old politician is still under observation after he was re-admitted to a Houston hospital Friday over what turned out to be pneumonia.

“President George H.W. Bush remains under observation at Houston Methodist Hospital as he continues to gain strength following his recovery from a mild case of pneumonia. Mr. Bush had a good night’s rest, and his spirits are high. Although he will not be discharged today, he is already looking forward to going home to Mrs. Bush who has been constantly by his side,” said Jim McGrath, Bush’s spokesman, in a statement released Wednesday morning.

McGrath said Tuesday that Bush was taken to the hospital due to a cough that prevented him from sleeping. The cough turned out to be due to pneumonia, which has been treated and resolved, McGrath said.

A source close to Bush told CNN’s Jamie Gangel the former President is receiving IV antibiotics and will probably be kept at the hospital for a few more days for observation. The source said the Bushes had not previously announced the hospital visit because they did not want to worry anyone over the Easter weekend.

Bush was last admitted to Houston Methodist Hospital in January to address “an acute respiratory problem stemming from pneumonia” before being released from the hospital on January 30.

Bush’s wife, former first lady Barbara Bush, was hospitalized in January over bronchitis before being released the same month.

Just five days after his release from the hospital, Bush tossed the coin alongside his wife at the 2017 Super Bowl in Houston.

Former President Bill Clinton visited Bush earlier this month and gave him a few pairs of patterned socks.