Local veteran who beat COVID-19 twice is also a survivor of polio

ANN ARBOR (WXYZ) — On the eve of Veterans Day, a U.S. Army service member speaks with 7 Action News about his multiple battles with COVID-19.

John King, 77, from Monroe County, said he beat the virus twice after contracting it a second time while being treated at the VA hospital in Ann Arbor.

He said he spent three months receiving treatment, including one month in the intensive care unit.

"I was too weak to do anything," King said. "I couldn't walk around."

Family, friends, and the medical team surprised him with a celebration line when he was released on Nov. 3. King also received a certificate from the hospital for his positive attitude and overcoming the novel virus.

King's family said doctors prescribed Remdesivir and administered steroids as a part of his treatment. He said he feels about 80% and is still tethered to an oxygen tank.

The Veteran Affairs Department reports 122 known deaths from COVID-19 in the state of Michigan.

View more information on the Veteran Affairs Dashboard here.

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