Tom Hanks says discomfort from coronavirus was ‘pretty much done in two weeks’
Tom Hanks has opened up about his experience of having Covid-19, revealing that he experienced symptoms such as body aches and fatigue for two weeks.
Speaking to The Guardian, the actor explained that he wasn’t scared by being unwell with the virus, which his wife, Rita Wilson, also had.
“Our discomfort because of the virus was pretty much done in two weeks and we had very different reactions, and that was odd,” Hanks said.
“My wife lost her sense of taste and smell, she had severe nausea, she had a much higher fever than I did.”
The 63-year-old actor added that he also had “crippling body aches”.
Hanks continued: “I was very fatigued all the time and I couldn’t concentrate on anything for more than about 12 minutes. That last bit is kinda like my natural state anyway.”
The actor explained that he also suffers from type 2 diabetes and had a stent in his heart, both of which prompted him to ask hospital staff if he was a “red flag case”.
“But as long as our temperatures did not spike, and our lungs did not fill up with something that looked like pneumonia, they were not worried,” he added.
“I’m not one who wakes up in the morning wondering if I’m going to see the end of the day or not. I’m pretty calm about that.”
Hanks also commented on the US government’s handling of the virus, to which he said that he has “nothing but question marks about the official position as well as the individual choice”.
“There’s really only three things everyone needs to do: wear a mask, social distance, wash your hands,” he added.
“I know societally it’s been politicised, but I don’t get it, man. I don’t understand how anyone can put their foot down and say: ‘I don’t have to do my part.’”
Hanks also questioned how Donald Trump has led the country during the pandemic.
“I grew up looking to our leaders for calm and informed guidance and I don’t think we’ve got that,” he said.
Hanks and Wilson revealed they tested positive for Covid-19 in March while Hanks was shooting a new Elvis Presley biopic in Australia.
After two weeks in quarantine, they both recovered and returned to Los Angeles.
In an update posted from his Twitter account, Hanks wrote: “Hey, Folks... We’re home now and, like the rest of America, we carry on with sheltering in place and social distancing.
“Many, many thanks to everyone in Australia who looked after us. Their care and guidance made possible our return to the USA. And many thanks to all of you who reached out with well wishes. Ruth and I so appreciate it. Hanx.”
