Conflicting Reports Regarding George Michael’s Health

Shirlie Kemp posted the following on her Twitter account:

I haven’t heard anymore news about George, which I guess is a good thing, he is being well looked after and responding well to treatment

The Mirror is reporting:

Pop star George Michael was being treated in intensive care for pneumonia last night as concerns for his health mounted.

The singer is under round-the clock care at a top hospital in the Austrian capital Vienna after he was struck down with illness before a gig this week.

Yesterday an unnamed doctor at the hospital told a local newspaper that he is also being treated for serious heart problems by cardiologists, but George’s spokesman insisted it was “absolute nonsense”.

According to Austria’s respected national broadcaster ORF, George, 48, was initially admitted to the Wiener Rudolfinerhaus private clinic after doctors examined him at his hotel suite just hours before he was due to go on stage on Monday.

But his condition worsened and he was transferred to the intensive care unit at the city’s AKH General Hospital.

The Mail is reporting:

One relieved close friend told the Mail: ‘George has woken up and he’s in good spirits.

‘Doctors are very pleased with him – and he’s making progress.

‘He’s been in terrible pain. He’s had a dreadful chest infection – but he’s been in good care. He’s in very capable hands.’

Showing the deep level of concern for the star amongst his close-knit circle, the friend went on: ‘This is a very serious condition. It cannot be understated. George needs rest.

‘It takes ages to recover. It is serious – but he is in good hands.’

Michael is being treated on the thirteenth floor of the AKH hospital, in a suite normally used by Austrian politicians and other VIPs when they are seriously ill.

Doctors yesterday brought in a special bed for the star which is used to help breathing for patients who have suffered bad cases of pneumonia.

Another friend said today: ‘George is improving. He’s happy – and smiling.’

The Daily Star is reporting that it could take up to two months for George to recover:

Drug users are among the higher-risk group of people susceptible to catching pneumonia.

Medical experts say it can take as much as two months to get over serious pneumonia.

Advice on private health firm Bupa’s website said: “Pneumonia can make you feel very tired for up to six weeks afterwards, or longer if you were in hospital.

“At first, you may find it hard to walk without getting out of breath but as you recover, your energy and lung function will return to normal.

“After six weeks you will probably have a check up with your GP and possibly a follow-up X-ray, especially if you’re a smoker.”