Singer George Michael condition ‘bad’ after pneumonia hospitalization

[xchrom]

http://www.washingtonblade.com/2011/11/26/singer-george-michael-condition-bad-after-pnumonia-hospitalization/

George Michael has already postponed or canceled most of the remainder of his ‘Symphonica’ tour after falling ill in Vienna. Now sources close to the situation are telling reporters in Europe the singer’s condition has worsened.

The Vienna Times has reported that the 48 year old ‘Faith’ singer is in intensive care and has been issued a special bed to maintain proper blood flow and take pressure of the singer’s fluid-filled lungs, after he was admitted to the the 13th floor of the Vienna AKH general hospital on Monday “as a result of heart problems believed to be caused by the shortage of oxygen caused by his pneumonia,” according to the Vienna Times.

However, Vienna Times claims Michels is also suffering heart problems have been dismissed by Michael’s team.

“George has woken up and he’s in good spirits,” a source close to the singer told the Daily Mail. “Doctors are very pleased with him, and he’s making progress.”

[MADem]

1. Rumors are starting to swirl that he's dying and has HIV.

No shooting the messenger, please: http://www.ibtimes.com/articles/256485/20111126/george-michael-pneumonia-hospitalization-prompts-hiv-speculation.htm

[William769]

2. Not shooting the messenger but how do rumors spread?

And if he is, so what? 30 + million have died of AIDS related complications it's not news no matter who you are.

And to set the record straight, you don't die from HIV or AIDS what kills you are the complications that resulted from having AIDS (yes there is a distinction, if you want proof just look at a death certificate of someone who had AIDS).

I was diagnosed in 2005 with full blown Aids I also had Pneumocystis pneumonia, I was told I would not leave the hospital alive & I should get my affairs in order. Well it's now the end of 2011 and my affairs are still not in order & yes I have still AIDS & no I won't die from AIDS itself.

[kestrel91316]

3. Dying of "complications of HIV/AIDS" is in no way any different from

"dying of HIV/AIDS".

The former is merely a convoluted, denialist way of saying the exact same medical thing.

And yes, I am a medical professional.

[William769]

5. Please explain to me How I can die from HIV?AIDS?

[Name removed]

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[Name removed]

6. Deleted message

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[MADem]

4. I simply provided a link. The horse is well out of the barn.

I'm also not characterizing his illness. This isn't a moral issue, it's a medical one. It's also an unfortunate, but significant, public service opportunity if he is having HIV medical issues.

The "so what?" will resonate if he does die of "complications resulting." The guy is, like it or not, a cautionary tale. He's also a pop icon with a considerable following all around the world, and therefore, he has--even in death--the opportunity to greatly influence behavior.

He engaged in risky conduct, for which he was arrested more than once, and, as they say, actions do have consequences. If he were willing to encourage people to exercise caution he'd have nearly as much resonance as Yul Brynner doing the "Don't Smoke" ads (unfortunately, Yul died of lung cancer shortly thereafter and only recorded his ad for posthumous dissemination, but you get the idea: http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JNjunlWUJJI ).

I'd rather see him live to do the PSA myself; I think he's not done yet, even though he's on the far side of his career in the big picture. However, that will depend on first, the accuracy of the report in the first place, and second, his (or his publicists') willingness to get out in front of this (admittedly still speculative) medical issue and do a bit of public service/educational intervention.

I hope you are, and stay, healthy. HIV/AIDS is simply a chronic condition for many, but not all. I can't help but believe that there will be a cure for it soon, but in the meantime, reduction in transmission is the way to go.

[William769]

8. I apologize if I sounded rash. It's just a subject near & dear to me.

[MADem]

9. I can understand why.

No apology warranted.

I always thought the whole "AIDS EPIDEMIC" (because that's how they touted it in the eighties) was just so fucking unnecessary. Saint Ronnie of Ray Gun was too busy denying federal funds to research based on his wrong-headed illogical thinking, and had he loosened the purse strings, who knows how many might have been spared or their lives extended. Who knows what breakthroughs might have been made, sooner?

So much time wasted, and solely to appeal to a bunch of hateful morons. It's like GWB with governmental funding for stem cell research--that asshole tapped the brakes for eight years, the idiot.

[Evasporque]

11. No it is Denmark's Capt. Trips Super man made flu....nt

[applegrove]

10. I loved his songs back in the day.