Famed radio host Howard Stern, who had been absent from his show last week after years of expressing concerns about the coronavirus, finally announced on Monday that he had contracted the virus.
“I was supposed to come back last week, but I couldn't because I got coronavirus,” Stern told listeners, according to multiple reports.
Stern has regularly expressed fears about the coronavirus, admitting that he and his wife have fought because he is paranoid and “nervous,” especially when it comes to the virus.
Stern, who turns 70 this week, said he has never felt so sick before and that the vaccination has helped keep him from feeling sick.
“I have something to announce. The coronavirus is really bad,” he said. “You don't want coronavirus. Oh my gosh.”
Coronavirus hysteria has turned Howard Stern into 'the very person we've been mocking for decades': Reporter
Howard Stern announced on Monday that he has contracted the coronavirus. (Getty Images)
Stern has previously advocated for mandatory COVID-19 vaccinations, repeatedly calling people who refrain from getting vaccinated “stupid” and “nuts and bolts.” He also suggested on the air that doctors and nurses should refuse to treat people who are not vaccinated.
Last year, Stern vented about people telling him to downplay the disease, saying he's older and “lucky” to be the one to get seriously ill. Stern says, “Everyone says, 'Don't worry, it's just a cold for me.'” You know what I mean? I mean, I'm one of those lucky people who has a complete meltdown.
Although COVID-19 vaccinations did not prevent transmission of the virus, the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention is encouraging people to continue getting vaccinated to prevent severe illness and death.
Howard Stern admits coronavirus fear caused fights with wife: 'Scared' and 'nervous'
Howard Stern regularly admits he was scared of the coronavirus. (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan, Getty Images))
SiriusXM did not respond to a request for comment.
CLICK HERE TO GET THE FOX NEWS APP
FOX News' Gabriel Hayes, Brandon Gillespie, Yael Harron and Hannah Panlec contributed to this report.
