In a candid revelation on his SiriusXM show, Howard Stern, the renowned radio personality, disclosed the reason behind his unexpected absence from the airwaves last week. Stern, known for his meticulous approach to avoiding germs, shared with his audience that he had contracted COVID-19, despite his vigilant efforts to evade the virus since its emergence in the United States.
The 69-year-old broadcaster, who had previously managed to steer clear of the virus by adopting a reclusive lifestyle, admitted that his fortunate streak had come to an end. “We were supposed to be back last week. We weren’t,” Stern said during his show. He emphasized the severity of the illness, warning listeners about the dangers of COVID-19.
Stern’s struggle with the virus was not just a physical ordeal but also an emotional one, as he described the experience as one of the most challenging sicknesses he has ever faced. He expressed gratitude towards the scientific community for developing the COVID-19 vaccine, pondering the potential consequences had the vaccine not been available.
The radio icon’s germaphobia has been a well-known aspect of his personality, influencing his lifestyle choices during the pandemic. This cautious approach led to a two-year period where Stern did not leave his home, a decision that also sparked discussions and disagreements with his wife, Beth Stern.
Stern’s friend, Bill Maher, host of HBO’s “Real Time,” previously expressed doubts about whether Stern would resume social activities post-pandemic due to his fear of the virus. Despite differing views on the pandemic, Maher affirmed that their friendship remained unaffected.
In his show, Stern also addressed criticisms of being “woke,” a label he embraced, aligning himself with support for transgender rights, COVID-19 vaccination, and opposition to former President Trump.
Before contracting COVID-19, Stern had cautiously ventured out for the first time since the pandemic’s onset in 2020, joining celebrities at a Williamsburg restaurant. Reflecting on that outing, he described it as an emotionally and physically draining experience.
Stern’s recent encounter with COVID-19 and his subsequent recovery mark a significant moment in the life of the self-proclaimed “King of All Media,” who has been a vocal advocate for health and safety measures throughout the pandemic