Biden tests positive for Covid and cancels LA event amid severe pressure to remove himself from 2024 race

WASHINGTON, DC: President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 during his trip on July 17, in Las Vegas and is experiencing mild symptoms, such as "general malaise," according to the White House.

Press Secretary Karine Jean-Pierre stated that President Biden will travel to his Delaware residence, where he will “self-isolate and will continue to carry out all of his duties fully during that time.”

Joe Biden's Las Vegas events canceled

The announcement was initially made by Unidos US President and CEO Janet Murguia, who informed attendees at the organization's convention in Las Vegas that the president had expressed his regrets and was unable to attend due to a positive test for the virus.

Dr Kevin O'Connor, the president's physician, noted that President Biden “presented this afternoon with upper respiratory symptoms, to include rhinorrhea (runny nose) and non-productive cough, with general malaise.”

Following a positive Covid-19 test, President Biden was prescribed Paxlovid and has commenced his treatment with the first dose, according to O'Connor, reports Hollywood Reporter.

Biden was scheduled to address the Unidos event in Las Vegas to mobilize Hispanic voters for the upcoming November election. However, he left for the airport to travel to Delaware, where he intended to spend an extended weekend at his Rehoboth Beach home.

Biden carefully ascended the steps of Air Force One and informed the accompanying reporters, "I feel good." The president did not have a mask on as he made his way onto the aircraft.

The president had recently visited the Original Lindo Michoacan restaurant in Las Vegas, where he greeted diners and participated in an interview with Univision.

President Biden has received his vaccination and is up to date with his recommended annual booster dose for Covid-19.

Here's what's known about Joe Biden's health

President Joe Biden last tested positive for Covid-19 twice during the summer of 2022, experiencing both a primary and a rebound case of the virus.

1. President Joe Biden's advanced age categorizes him as being at a higher risk

Although vaccination and booster shots against Covid provide protection against severe illness and death, being 81 years old increases President Biden's risk of becoming seriously ill.

Adults over the age of 65 are at the greatest risk of severe disease from Covid, with over 81 per cent of Covid-related deaths occurring within this age group, as reported by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

“Even if somebody has been fully vaccinated and boosted multiple times, if you’re in his age group, the age in and of itself is a risk factor for more severe cases of Covid,” Dr Celine Gounder, an epidemiologist and infectious disease specialist at New York University's medical school, serves as the editor-at-large for public health at KFF Health News.

2. President Joe Biden does not have any known underlying medical conditions that would put him at a higher risk

President Biden is undergoing treatment for obstructive sleep apnea, high cholesterol, and atrial fibrillation, as stated in his latest public health summary released in February.

“We’re not aware of any underlying or chronic medical conditions that would be a risk factor for more severe Covid,” Gounder remarked.

According to the CDC, conditions that increase risk include cancer, chronic diseases of the kidney, liver, or lungs, dementia, diabetes, and heart disease, among others.

The White House released a statement from Biden's doctor indicating that the president's vital signs, including respiratory rate, temperature, and blood oxygen levels, are all within normal ranges.

3. Taking Paxlovid may offer protection against severe illness and death for Joe Biden

President Biden is undergoing treatment with Paxlovid, an antiviral medication for Covid-19. This drug has known interactions with various medications, including statins used to reduce cholesterol levels.

According to his health summary, President Biden is on Crestor for cholesterol management. His physician has probably recommended discontinuing Crestor while he is being treated with Paxlovid, in line with the guidelines from the National Institutes of Health.

“They may need to be withheld for longer if the patient is an adult of advanced age or if the interacting medication has a long half-life,” according to the guidance.

Gounder mentioned that recent studies on Paxlovid in vaccinated individuals do not indicate a significant impact on the disease's progression, yet affirmed that Biden's prescription is suitable, according to Politico.

“I don’t think there’s too much downside, particularly when you’re talking about the president of the United States, to be a bit more cautious,” she said.

4. President Joe Biden has tested positive for Covid-19 for the second time

Research indicates that each Covid infection may raise the risk of developing long Covid. The president first contracted Covid in the summer of 2022, presenting mild symptoms.

After completing a course of Paxlovid, he experienced a rebound of symptoms, a phenomenon observed in some cases following treatment.

5. The latest Covid variant is rapidly spreading

Biden's infection coincides with the recording of high or very high Covid virus levels in the wastewater of 26 states, according to Gounder. The CDC's most recent Covid data indicates a substantial increase in emergency room visits attributed to the disease, with the test positivity rate standing at 11 percent as of July 6.

Health officials have noted recent increases in emergency room visits and hospitalizations due to COVID-19. Additionally, there has been a significant rise in positive test results across many parts of the country, especially in the southwestern US.

Internet says Joe Biden found an excuse to stay out of 'public eye'

The internet was skeptical about Joe Biden's health condition. One user wrote, "It’s the beginning of the end for old Joey. He’s on his way out. I’m doubtful he even has Covid….AGAIN! Excuse to keep him out of sight till they get him to resign. Just my thoughts."

Another user talked about Biden saying he would withdraw from race if diagnosed with 'a medical condition,' "This is definitely the medical event that Joe Biden was talking about. They will use this as an excuse to replace Joe Biden as the Democrat nominee. Now the real question is who are they going to choose?"

The third commentator questioned, "Is that the new excuse ?? Or Covid is still active ?"

"This is just an excuse to keep him out of the public eye, and away from a microphone! This has all been orchestrated!" A person remarked.

A user mocked, "Biden uses the same excuses I use to get out of plans"

This article contains remarks made on the Internet by individual people and organizations. MEAWW cannot confirm them independently and does not support claims or opinions being made online.