During a speech in Alaska on Tuesday, former President Donald Trump asserted that he has never contracted the flu, a claim that medical experts suggest is statistically unlikely. Trump made the statement while discussing the health of Democrat James Talarico, who was campaigning for a U.S. Senate seat in Texas.
Trump questioned Talarico's prolonged absence from the campaign trail, stating, "What the hell happened to him for 14 days? What happened? He said he had the flu for 12 to 14 days. I never had the flu for 14 days. Actually, I never had the flu. How lucky am I?"
While it is possible for individuals to avoid the flu, a 2015 study indicated that children contract the flu on average every other year, with the rate declining significantly after age 30. The study also noted that 8% of individuals infected with the influenza virus do not exhibit symptoms, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. Flu vaccines have been available since 1946, the year Trump was born, which could potentially reduce the severity of symptoms if an infection occurs.
The former president's health has been a subject of public discussion. Following his physical examination in May, Trump declared himself to be in perfect health. However, reports from The Washington Post have highlighted concerns about his weight, bruised hands, and swollen ankles. In February 2021, The New York Times reported that Trump experienced severe consequences from contracting COVID-19 during the pandemic, though these were not publicly disclosed at the time.