On the eve of Veterans Day, a U.S. Army service member speaks with 7 Action News about his multiple battles with COVID-19.
John King, 77, from Monroe County, said he beat the virus twice after contracting it a second time while being treated at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.
He said he spent three months receiving treatment, including one month in the intensive care unit.
TONIGHT: As we prepare to honor our #Veterans.
A Michigan man who served our country shares his tale of survival after battling #COVID19.
He says he beat the virus twice after spending three months in the hospital. @tv20detroit at 10@wxyzdetroit at 11 pic.twitter.com/rF25yN5MOb
— Rudy Harper (@RudyHarperWXYZ) November 11, 2020
"I was too weak to do anything," King said. "I couldn't walk around."
Family, friends, and the medical team surprised him with a celebration line when he was released on Nov. 3. King also received a certificate from the hospital for his positive attitude and overcoming the novel virus.
King's family said doctors prescribed Remdesivir and administered steroids as a part of his treatment. He said he feels about 80% and is still tethered to an oxygen tank.
The Veteran Affairs Department reports 122 known deaths from COVID-19 in the state of Michigan.
View more information on the Veteran Affairs Dashboard here.
