alternatehistory.com

September 3, 1968

Flu Sidelines Humphrey, Doctor orders Bedrest

In addition to his battles with his political opponents, Vice President Hubert Humphrey is fighting a new foe: influenza. After celebrating the 32nd anniversary of his marriage to his wife Muriel at his home in Minnesota, Humphrey reportedly came down with the flu. Humphrey’s personal doctor and close friend, Dr. Edgar Berman, [1] says that despite his patient’s busy schedule, he needs bedrest. On doctor’s orders, the Vice President has canceled all public appearances for the entirety of the next week. [2]

Since his nomination last week, Humphrey has been pushing himself at a frenetic pace. The heavy schedule of his campaign has apparently taken its toll, and the illness has hit him at a time when every hour counts. This isn’t the first time that the happy warrior has been down for the count, however. In July, Humphrey was sidelined by the flu for two weeks. Dr. Berman speculated that Humphrey may have contracted the dreaded “Hong Kong flu” [3] that has decimated thousands in Asia, but expects that his patient will in time make a full recovery due to his strong constitution.