Hoda Kotb Says She Has the Flu, Won't Be on 'Today' Until "Mid-Week, Maybe Longer"
Today's Hoda Kotb is home sick with the flu.
Savannah Guthrie said the Today with Hoda and Jenna co-host could be out for several days.
Kotb's sickness comes just days after the Today cast returned from Orlando, to celebrate the opening of Today Cafe.
If you're wondering why Hoda Kotb, 55, was missing from Today this morning, you're not alone. Turns out the NBC anchor is home sick with the flu.
On Monday, Today host Savannah Guthrie gave viewers an update about Kotb's absence, saying we can expect the Today with Hoda and Jenna star to be out for several days. "If you're missing Hoda, so are we. Guess what, she's got the flu," Guthrie announced, per People. "And we think she'll be out 'til probably mid week, maybe longer. So we're sending her our best wishes this morning."
And before rumors could swirl around the flu vaccination, Guthrie emphasized, "She did get the flu shot for those who are wondering."
Kotb's sickness comes just after the Today cast returned from Florida, where they celebrated the opening of the Today Cafe at Universal Resort Orlando. The Today-inspired restaurant is decorated to mimic the show's Rockefeller Center's Studio 1A. The cafe will include a seasonal menu crafted by some of the NBC anchors, like avocado toast by Al Roker.
Just days ago, the Today with Hoda and Jenna co-host shared a picture of her and Guthrie, Roker, Jenna Bush Hager, Carson Daly, and others drinking butterbeer at Harry Potter World at Universal Resort Orlando.
The Today cast also held a special edition of their morning show right outside of the new cafe. Kotb shared some photos from the segment to her Instagram, and it looks like they had a blast. "We love you Orlando xo @todayshow," she captioned the post.
In addition to Kotb, thousands of Americans have contracted the flu this year, leading experts to refer to this flu season as one of the worst of the decade. The Center for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) estimates that there have been 32 million illnesses since flu season started in October. There have been 310,000 hospitalizations and 18,000 deaths.
To prevent the flu, experts recommend getting vaccinated if you haven't, washing your hands, and keeping your hands away from your face. If you begin to experience flu-like symptoms like a fever, fatigue, and chills, consult your doctor.
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