Freaks and Geeksactor Jerry Messing has been partially paralyzed after contracting COVID-19.
His latest update comes after Messing was hospitalized in August with COVID-19 and admitted to intensive care, where he was placed on a ventilator. Since then, he’s been taken out of the ICU and is no longer on a ventilator, telling TMZ he’s breathing normally and does not have a fever or cough. He also has since tested negative for COVID-19.
Now, after more than a month spent in the hospital, Messing’s doctors told the actor he could have a long recovery ahead. Still, he’s staying positive. Messing told TMZ “things are looking up,” and he thanked people for all the support they’ve given him.
Jerry Messing.NBC
Messing had received his first dose of the Pfizer vaccine and had been waiting for his second shot when he contracted COVID-19 earlier this summer,TMZpreviously reported.
After the news of his illness broke,Paul Feig,Freaks and Geekscreator, sent out words of support to Messing in an Augusttweet.
Jerry Messing inFreaks and Geeks.Chris Haston/NBCU Photo Bank/NBCUniversal via Getty Images
Messing is currently waiting to finish his vaccinations, as doctors advise him to hold off until he’s fully recovered from pneumonia, which he contracted while battling COVID-19.
His father James told TMZ Messing is recovering at a rehab facility in Tampa, Florida, where he is confident his son is in good care.
Aside from hisFreaks and Geeksrole, Messing has also appeared in the movieAddams Family Reunion,and in shows likeMr. Show with Bob and David, Even StevensandThe Brothers Garcia. He is also known for appearing in the photo that became the internet meme “The Fedora Guy,” which shot to popularity on social media in 2013.
While paralysis from COVID-19 is rare, according to theMayo Clinic, “Even in young people, COVID-19 can cause strokes, seizures and Guillain-Barre syndrome — a condition that causes temporary paralysis.”
Messing did not tell TMZ he has been diagnosed with Guillain-Barre syndrome and did not reveal a specific cause of his paralysis.
source: people.com
