The Hindu : International : Relapse of flu, says Vatican

Online edition of India's National Newspaper
Friday, Feb 25, 2005

International

International

Relapse of flu, says Vatican

VATICAN CITY, FEB. 24. Pope John Paul II was rushed to the hospital today after suffering a relapse of the flu, the Vatican announced, a day after the pontiff made his longest public appearance since being discharged from the clinic two weeks ago.

The 84-year-old pontiff had the same symptoms of the breathing crisis that sent him to Gemelli Polyclinic on February 1, said a Vatican official on condition of anonymity.

A papal spokesman, Joaquin Navarro-Valls, said the Pope was taken to the Rome hospital for ``necessary specialised assistance and further tests.'' He was taken to the clinic by ambulance at 10:45 AM local time, officials said. Papal officials played down the seriousness of the hospitalisation, saying a patient of the Pope's age was always at risk from the flu. But Vatican aides said on condition of anonymity that the Pope had a fever, congestion and had suffered a relapse of breathing problems. The Italian news agency ANSA reported that the Pope arrived conscious at Gemelli in a private ambulance. — AP

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