The state of Hillary Clinton’s health was brought into question on Sept. 11 after her doctor revealed that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia.
Nearly collapsing in a 9/11 memorial ceremony in New York, Clinton was assisted by aides and Secret Service agents into a security vehicle.
The Clinton campaign originally claimed that the candidate’s collapse was due to heat and fatigue from the weather. However, a doctor of Clinton later added that she had been diagnosed with pneumonia two days earlier and that the heat had weakened her condition.
“Clinton has been experiencing a cough related to allergies. On Friday… she was diagnosed with pneumonia,” said Dr. Lisa R. Bardack in a statement to the press for Clinton. “While at this morning’s event, she became overheated and dehydrated. I have just examined her and she is now rehydrated and recovering nicely.”
In total, this event seems to be the only sign of a problem with Clinton’s well-being. During the campaign season, several members of the Republican Party pointed out that the formter Secretary of State had health problems. However, no concrete evidence ever surfaced to support these claims.
The pneumonia diagnosis of Clinton may offer a basis for these ideas.
According to the National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute, pneumonia can have serious effects for people of 65 and older, infants and young children, and people with other health problems. In Clinton’s case, she meets the first of these conditions by being 68.
“I initially thought that Clinton’s illness put her in a more stoic light. Her resilience against [pneumonia] made her campaign seem more determined and committed toward their responsibilities,” said junior Kevin Xiang, who co-runs a Foreign and Domestic Affairs club. “But the chances of her condition worsening is still a possibility that should be looked into.”
The reality mentioned by Xiang can be considered valid. The National Heart, Blood, and Lung Institute stated that pneumonia patients with severe conditions may require three weeks or more to fully recover.
Additionally, this time period can increase depending on the patient’s age and original state of health. Clinton’s campaign plans would have to be postponed if her condition turns out to be more serious.
On the flip side, symptoms of mild conditions can be resolved with ease. As long as the patient rests for two or three days, the symptoms will most likely fix themselves.
If Clinton only has a slight cough, as the doctor said, then she will most likely be back on the campaign trail quite soon.
