Fmr. President George H.W. Bush to spend Christmas in the hospital

Former President George H.W. Bush on March 29, 2012 in Houston, Texas. / Tom Pennington/Getty Images

HOUSTON Former President George H.W. Bush will spend Christmas in a Texas hospital after developing a fever and weakness following a monthlong, bronchitis-like cough, his spokesman said Monday.

A hospital spokesman had said the 88-year-old would be released in time to spend the holiday at home, but that changed after Bush developed a fever.

"He's had a few setbacks. Late last week, he had a few low-energy days followed by a low-grade fever," Jim McGrath, Bush's spokesman, told The Associated Press. "Doctors still say they are cautiously optimistic, but every time they get over one thing, another thing pops up."

• Fmr. President Bush still in hospital; could be out for Christmas
• Former President George H.W. Bush, "spirits high," remains in hospital

He said the cough that initially brought Bush to the hospital on Nov. 23 is now evident only about once a day, and the fever appears to be under control, although doctors are still working to get the right balance in Bush's medications. No discharge date has been set.

"Given his current condition, doctors just want to hang on to him," McGrath said. He didn't know what had caused the fever.

Bush's son, George W. Bush, the 43rd president, has been among the visitors at the hospital.

Being in the hospital for such a long time has not been easy for Bush, who is accustomed to being active, McGrath said. But the president has said he's determined "not to get grumpy about it."

"He's just the most relentlessly positive person," McGrath said, and "he does enjoy joking with the nurses."

[Type_Z]

Jesus was a conservative. He feed the hungry, clothed the poor, and for those that could, he taught to fish.

[mjvwsr]

Some very classless comments here. Thank libs for once again proving where the hate in this country comes from.

[crankyoleman]

Amazing the crass and moronic comments posted here. Regardless of what anyone may think of his time in office he as done a great deal of good since he left...and with Bill Clinton to boot. I wish the man well.

[no1netfan573]

There ar lots of people that got that same cough and there are still a lot f people who still have it.I happen to be in a state that has medical marijuana and i took two does's of the cannabis oil,two days in a row and got rid of mine.

[KansasCity-2012]

Get well! That shifty Houston climate is a bit to deal with....the humidity and temperatures fluctuate so wildly that our lungs have difficulty adjusting. Many there in Houston have asthma related coughs when either the air or medications have created overly dry conditions in the lungs. Stay seated upright as much as possible and keep your lungs draining so you can cough productively. Laying flat just lets the crud puddle and make you sicker.

Move out of Houston and go to the country. Chemicals and particulates are not part of allergy testing and don't get AMA approval for treatment until the maladies are too far gone.

[john92021]

put off that judgment day as long as possible. He is not going to a better place.

[omnibus66]

"Given his current condition, doctors just want to hang on to him,"

Of course they do. He's got good insurance.

[greco99-2009]

The 'H' is for Hubris.

[devo711]

Get well, Mr. President. Your class, determination and courage continues to be an inspiration to many.

[bobbie9395]

Thank you, DEVO711, for the only classy response here. God bless and get well soon, Mr. President.