SB. Ellen DeGeneres Talks About a Symptom That Caught Her Off Guard

In December 2020, television host and comedian Ellen DeGeneres publicly disclosed her diagnosis with COVID-19, joining the list of high-profile individuals who contracted the virus during the early stages of the global pandemic. While her overall condition did not require hospitalization, DeGeneres drew public attention by sharing one specific symptom that surprised her: severe back pain.

This revelation, discussed in a video message released through her verified social media accounts, contributed to growing awareness of the broader range of symptoms associated with COVID-19. According to data from the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) and peer-reviewed studies published in journals such as The Lancet and BMJ, COVID-19 has been shown to cause a wide variety of symptoms, ranging from respiratory issues to neurological and musculoskeletal complications.

Uncommon but Documented: Back Pain as a COVID-19 Symptom

While back pain is not among the three most common symptoms of COVID-19 — which include fever, cough, and shortness of breath — medical professionals have noted its presence in a subset of cases. The CDC and World Health Organization (WHO) both acknowledge that COVID-19 may produce additional symptoms such as muscle or body aches, fatigue, and chills. According to a clinical analysis published in Nature Medicine, musculoskeletal pain, including back pain, is reported in up to 36% of COVID-19 patients, though severity varies.

The mechanism behind such discomfort is linked to the body’s immune response. Inflammation caused by the viral infection can affect muscles, nerves, and joints. Furthermore, prolonged bed rest during recovery may contribute to increased stiffness and musculoskeletal strain, especially among patients who experience fatigue or reduced mobility during illness.

Ellen DeGeneres’s Public Health Message

DeGeneres’s comments served as a personal and relatable account of one of the lesser-known symptoms of COVID-19. By sharing her experience in a short video message while she was quarantined at home, the Emmy-winning host emphasized the unexpected nature of some symptoms associated with the virus.

Although DeGeneres did not require hospitalization, she urged her audience to remain cautious and attentive to symptoms that may seem unrelated to respiratory illness. Her message aligned with guidance from health experts who encourage individuals to report and monitor all symptoms—particularly those that persist or intensify—during and after COVID-19 infection.

Public figures sharing personal health experiences can help destigmatize illness and increase awareness. In this case, DeGeneres’s account brought visibility to a symptom that, while not widely discussed in mainstream media, has been observed in medical literature.

The Role of Inflammation in COVID-19 Symptoms

Back pain in COVID-19 cases is often associated with systemic inflammation, one of the virus’s most pervasive effects on the body. According to research published by the National Institutes of Health (NIH), SARS-CoV-2, the virus that causes COVID-19, can trigger a cascade of inflammatory responses in the body, commonly referred to as a “cytokine storm” in more severe cases.

This inflammation can affect soft tissues, including muscles and ligaments, contributing to localized pain such as in the lower back. Patients with pre-existing musculoskeletal conditions may also experience intensified symptoms due to the additional stress on their immune and muscular systems.

COVID-19 and Long-Term Effects

DeGeneres’s case highlights the importance of understanding not just acute symptoms but also the broader spectrum of effects that may linger or manifest unexpectedly. According to the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, some individuals experience “long COVID” — symptoms that persist for weeks or months after the acute phase of the infection. While DeGeneres recovered relatively quickly, others with similar symptoms have reported prolonged recovery periods.

Back pain, along with fatigue, cognitive difficulties, and joint pain, is one of the symptoms monitored in long COVID cases. Ongoing research by institutions like the Mayo Clinic, Johns Hopkins Medicine, and Harvard Medical School continues to explore how COVID-19 affects the musculoskeletal system and what long-term care may be necessary for full recovery.

Raising Awareness Through First-Person Accounts

First-person accounts from public figures like Ellen DeGeneres play a valuable role in public health communication. When individuals share personal stories that align with scientific evidence, it can lead to broader public understanding and better symptom recognition.

For many individuals, the presence of non-respiratory symptoms like back pain may delay testing or diagnosis if they are unaware such symptoms are linked to COVID-19. Awareness of the full range of symptoms, as emphasized by institutions such as the CDC, is crucial to prompt medical attention and responsible isolation practices.

COVID-19 Prevention Remains Essential

DeGeneres’s experience also serves as a reminder that even individuals who take safety precautions can still contract the virus. The CDC continues to recommend vaccination, proper hand hygiene, mask-wearing in high-risk settings, and maintaining physical distance where appropriate. These measures remain effective in reducing the risk of infection and mitigating the spread of COVID-19 and its variants.

According to the CDC’s COVID Data Tracker, updated regularly with nationwide data, the use of vaccines and boosters has significantly lowered the rate of severe illness and hospitalization. However, the virus remains active in many communities, and symptoms continue to vary from case to case.

Conclusion: A Reminder of COVID-19’s Diverse Effects

Ellen DeGeneres’s personal story of experiencing severe back pain during her COVID-19 illness adds to the growing understanding of how this virus can manifest in diverse and sometimes unexpected ways. While not all patients report this symptom, it is documented in scientific literature and recognized by leading health authorities as a possible component of the disease.

By choosing to speak publicly about her experience, DeGeneres helped raise awareness of one of the lesser-known effects of COVID-19. Her message supports ongoing efforts by healthcare professionals and researchers to educate the public about the importance of recognizing all possible symptoms and taking appropriate measures for care and prevention.

Sources:

• U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC): Symptoms of COVID-19

• World Health Organization (WHO): Coronavirus disease (COVID-19) symptoms

• National Institutes of Health (NIH): Musculoskeletal symptoms in COVID-19 patients

• The Lancet: Long COVID and musculoskeletal pain

• Johns Hopkins Medicine: Long COVID symptoms