Kennedy to remain hospitalized with viral infection

February 7, 2000
Web posted at: 4:06 p.m. EST (2106 GMT)

WASHINGTON (CNN) - Sen. Edward Kennedy (D-Massachusetts), will remain in the hospital for a few days in order to recover from the flu, his doctor said Monday.

Kennedy will continue to receive treatment for symptoms of his illness, which include fever, a cough, muscle-aches and chills.

"Senator Kennedy is suffering from a viral illness, and is responding nicely to treatment," said his physician, Dr. Mark Abbruzzese, in a written statement released Monday afternoon.

"His symptoms are typical of such cases. I expect him to remain in the hospital for continued observation for the next few days."

The 67-year-old Massachusetts Democrat checked himself into Sibley Memorial Hospital in Washington on Sunday morning for medication after suffering from a cough, fever and chills as well as back and shoulder pain.

"Ted is well on his way to speedy recovery," said the senator's wife in a written statement. "He's feeling better today than yesterday, and is itching to go home. But he is still running a temperature, and his doctors and I have convinced him that another few days of rest is the best treatment."

From CNN Capitol Hill Producer Dana Bash