Queen Elizabeth II was hospitalized on Sunday afternoon at King Edward VII Hospital for the stomach flu which was most likely caused by the norovirus. Professor Christopher Hawkey from the University of Nottingham’s faculty of medicine and health sciences commented that the cause of Queen Elizabeth’s gastroenteritis is likely to be the winter vomiting bug norovirus, according to a Daily Mail report on March 3, 2013.
“The Queen was admitted to hospital today suffering from a debilitating bout of gastroenteritis. The likely cause is the norovirus, it’s very infectious and strikes in winter because people are indoors and it spreads more easily.”
Queen Elizabeth II came down with the stomach flu on Friday and after it began to take a toll on her health, the 86-year-old monarch agreed to be taken to the King Edward VII Hospital for immediate medical treatment around 3 p.m. on Sunday. Queen Elizabeth II, who will turn 87 next month, did not need an ambulance and was driven in a private car from Berkshire to central London.
“Very much like her husband, the Duke of Edinburgh, she is proud of her robust health and does not give in to these things lightly.”
This is the first time in ten years that Queen Elizabeth II has been hospitalized and according to royal sources, she is “in good health and spirits.” The last time that the Queen was hospitalized was in 2003, when she underwent surgery on her knees.
Since the norovirus spreads so easily, especially during the winter when people are confined to stay indoors, Queen Elizabeth will most likely be isolated at the hospital, monitored, and receive intravenous fluids to prevent her from getting dehydrated. Queen Elizabeth is expected to stay at King Edward VII Hospital for around two days so doctors can stabilize her condition.
Even at the age of 86, Queen Elizabeth still undertakes about 350 or more engagements a year. It is extremely rare that the Queen cancels any appointment. When she does, it is usually due to having a severe cold or back pain. Because of her gastroenteritis, however, the Queen’s official engagements for this week had to be either postponed or canceled.
“Sources say it is unlikely any members of the royal family will visit her unless her condition takes a turn for the worse as she will only be in hospital for a short amount of time and – more importantly – hates to make a fuss.”
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