Eddie Howe has publicly shared details about his recent severe bout of pneumonia. The Newcastle United head coach was affected by the lung infection earlier this month, feeling unwell for several days.
He was eventually admitted to the hospital, where tests confirmed the infection was seriously impacting his health. Fortunately, Howe has made a full recovery and has since returned to his duties.
Speaking about the challenging period, the 47-year-old commented: “I felt really bad, but I didn`t know how bad. I`m one of those people… you sort of go through everything. You don`t necessarily then offer yourself to doctors and people because you think I`ll be okay in a couple of days and I`ll fight through it. I`m sort of very much in the mindset of that I`ll go through anything until you can`t.”
He expressed gratitude for prompt medical attention: “So I was very thankful that the doctor here, Paul Catterson, acted quickly because without that quick intervention, then possibly it could have had a different outcome. Then I was treated really well in hospital and thankfully now through the worst of it.”
Howe initially tried to rest and recover at home before being hospitalized. He recalled the unusual nature of his symptoms: “The symptoms were strange because I wouldn`t say there were any massive standout symptoms. And that was probably what made it difficult for me to push for help initially, as I just wanted to sleep.”
He continued: “I did have a fever and quite a high temperature, but you just think it`s something that you`ll sleep off. And it didn`t really change for that, but it was just a real feeling of feeling way off what I normally would be when I`m fit and healthy. And then later on with pneumonia, other things come along. Of course, it`s affected my chest and my ability to breathe normally, but not to any alarming state.”
Describing his journey to the hospital, he added: “I got a lift there and just walked in normally. I say walked in normally, I probably crawled in normally. But as I said, I was delighted to be there because I was like this is where I need to be to get better. Just instinctively sort of knew and that`s where then the staff sort of greet you and you feel a sense of relief.”
Reflecting on the experience, Howe noted that while his body isn`t quite at “100 per cent,” his mind is “very close,” which he considers the most important aspect. He confirmed he feels well enough to engage with the press.
He emphasized the lessons learned, particularly about taking health for granted. The difficulty of not feeling normal due to illness presented a significant challenge, leading him through “a range of emotions.”
Looking ahead, Newcastle is set to return to action on Saturday afternoon, hosting Ipswich Town at St James` Park.