Howard Stern announces he has COVID after years of worrying about catching virus: 'You do not want' this

Famed radio host has been openly fearful of coronavirus

Howard Stern admits fear of new COVID strain has gotten him into a fight with wife: ‘I’m scared. I’m a neurotic’

Radio host Howard Stern recently admitted that his paranoia over a new strain of COVID-19 has gotten him into a fight with his wife.

Famed radio host Howard Stern, who has voiced concerns about getting COVID-19 for years and was absent from his show last week, announced Monday he had finally contracted the virus. 

"We were supposed to be back last week. We weren't because I got COVID-19," Stern told listeners, according to multiple reports. 

Stern has regularly expressed his fear of COVID, admitting that it has gotten him into fights with his wife because he is paranoid and "neurotic," especially when it comes to the virus. 

Stern, who turns 70 this week, said he had never felt that sick before and credited being vaccinated for not making him feel worse.

"I just want to announce something. COVID is really bad," he said. "You do not want COVID. Oh f--k."

COVID HYSTERIA TURNED HOWARD STERN INTO 'EXACTLY THE PERSON HE SPENT DECADES MOCKING:' REPORTER

Howard Stern

Howard Stern announced he has COVID-19 on Monday. (Getty Images)

Stern previously advocated for the coronavirus vaccine to be mandatory, and has repeatedly referred to those who choose to forego the jab as "imbeciles" and "nut jobs." He has also suggested on-air that doctors and nurses should refuse to treat those who have not taken the vaccine.

Last year, Stern vented about people telling him to lighten up about the disease, stating he will be the one to have a strong case of it because he’s older and "lucky" like that. Stern said, "Everyone goes, ‘Don’t worry, it’s just a cold for me.’ It’ll probably be way worse. You know what I mean? I mean, I’m the lucky one who will completely fall apart.

Being vaccinated against COVID has not prevented contraction of the virus, but the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention encourages people to still do so to protect against severe illness and death. 

HOWARD STERN ADMITS FEAR OF NEW COVID STRAIN HAS CAUSED FIGHTS WITH HIS WIFE: 'I'M SCARED,' 'NEUROTIC'

howard stern announces he has covid after years of worrying about catching virus you do not want this

Howard Stern has regularly admitted he was petrified of COVID.  (Photo by Jared Siskin/Patrick McMullan via Getty Images))

SiriusXM did not immediately respond to a request for comment. 

Fox News’ Gabriel Hays, Brandon Gillespie, Yael Halon and Hanna Panreck contributed to this report. 

Brian Flood is a media editor/reporter for FOX News Digital. Story tips can be sent to This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. and on Twitter: @briansflood. 

Authored by Brian Flood via FoxNews January 8th 2024