Singer Ozzy Osbourne is reportedly doing better in the hospital, his wife Sharon Osbourne said on CBS show “The Talk” on Feb. 11.
Ozzy, she explained, is “breathing on his own.”
The 70-year-old singer was admitted to the Keck Hospital of the University of Southern California on Feb. 4 amid fears his condition could get worse.
Doctors admitted him because they thought it was “the best way to get him on a quicker road to recovery,” his wife said.
“He’s doing good,” Sharon added.
“He’s been really struggling with flu, which turned into bronchitis. Doctors feared he could contract pneumonia which, in a person over 70, can be fatal,” a source told the paper.
His children, Jack and Kelly, went to the hospital and were by his side.
“This sparked a lot of panic among those closest to him, but doctors reassured everyone he was in the best possible hands,” the person added.
Meanwhile, on Feb. 6, Sharon Osbourne initially confirmed his hospitalization.
“Thanks to everyone for their concern and love,” she said, adding that it was “following some complications from the flu.”
On his website, the rocker said he was forced to cancel the European portion of his tour due to the illness.
“First the staph infection in my thumb and now coming down with the flu and bronchitis. I want to apologize to all of my fans who have been so loyal over the years, my band, my crew, and to Judas Priest for letting you all down. However, I promise the tour with Judas Priest will be completed. It’s being rescheduled right now to start in September. Again, I apologize to everyone. God Bless. Love you all, Ozzy,” he stated.
Pneumonia: Deadly in Older Adults
Pneumonia is an infection of the air sacs in one or both lungs.The illness can range in seriousness from mild to life-threatening.
However, it is “most serious for infants and young children, people older than age 65, and people with health problems or weakened immune systems,” says the clinic.
People over the age of 65 are generally recommended to go see a doctor if they are suspected of having the illness, it says.
“For some older adults and people with heart failure or chronic lung problems, pneumonia can quickly become a life-threatening condition,” the Mayo Clinic adds.