Howard Stern Reveals COVID-19 Diagnosis and Absence from SiriusXM Show

Howard Stern, the notorious germaphobe, disclosed that he was absent from his SiriusXM show last week due to contracting COVID-19. Despite successfully avoiding the virus since the start of the pandemic in 2020, Stern explained his absence on Monday’s episode, stating, “I took a sick day and I’m still sick, you can still hear it in my voice.” He emphasized the severity of the illness, saying, “COVID is really bad. You do not want COVID. Oh f–k.” Stern expressed gratitude towards the doctors and scientists who developed the vaccine to mitigate the effects of the virus.

Avoiding COVID-19: A Personal Struggle

This was the first time that Stern had contracted COVID-19, marking a significant event for the radio host. His absence caused a stir on social media, as the last time he took a sick day was back in May 2017. Stern’s paranoia about contracting the virus had previously caused arguments between him and his wife, Beth Stern. He admitted, “I’m going crazy with this… I really don’t want to get it.” Despite facing criticism from anti-vaxxers and those accusing him of being “woke,” Stern has remained steadfast in his support for the vaccine and other progressive causes.

A Return to Normalcy

Page Six exclusively reported that Stern had not left his home for two years, earning him the reputation of a germaphobe. However, in October 2022, he made a rare outing to dine at an Israeli restaurant in Williamsburg, N.Y. This marked his first night out since the pandemic began. Stern joined other celebrities, including Jennifer Aniston, Jimmy Kimmel, Jon Hamm, Justin Theroux, and Justin Bateman, in venturing out after a prolonged period of isolation.

As Stern recovers from COVID-19, his absence serves as a reminder of the ongoing challenges posed by the virus. His experience highlights the importance of vaccination and adherence to safety protocols in mitigating the impact of the pandemic.