Rep. Ben McAdams described his difficulty recovering from the coronavirus in an attempt to warn other people about the severity of the virus.
“When I was in the hospital, I lost 13 pounds. I had no appetite,” the Utah Democrat explained in a Tuesday interview with ABC News. “It really hit me pretty hard, but I’m back on my feet and back at work.”
McAdams was one of the first members of Congress to contract the virus. He said the illness was so severe, he could not garner enough energy to speak with his children on the phone from the hospital.
“I just didn’t have the energy to carry on a conversation, so we had some brief conversations, and I’d let them know that I was doing OK. I was on supplemental oxygen, but we’re much better now,” McAdams said.
He warned younger people that the disease can still have a serious effect on them, even if they are otherwise healthy.
“I’m young. I’m 45 years old. I’m healthy. I exercise every day, and it hit me really hard. So for those people who think that they don’t fall in a risk category, please take this seriously and follow the guidance of our public health officials,” McAdams said. “If not for your sake, do it for your friends or your loved ones who you might expose.”
McAdams has since tested negative and said he is back to work.
