A man who fixed trains damaged by explosives during World War Two proved he still has what it takes to beat COVID at the age of 104, The Associated Press reported Friday.
Major Lee Wooten won his battle with the virus in time to be home to celebrate his birthday Thursday. The medical staff at Madison Hospital gave him a special send-off.
Wooten was physically exhausted and somewhat fuzzy after his bout with the disease but appears to be making good progress, his granddaughter Holley Wooten McDonald said.
"So thankful for everyone at Madison Hospital for all they do for our community and keeping our loved ones alive and well...It's amazing that a 104-year old survived COVID," she said.
His granddaughters describe him as "their family's treasure."
Madison Hospital shared a video of the war veteran in a wheelchair with balloons, wearing face covering and waving while hospital staff sang "Happy birthday dear Pop Pop" as he was discharged.
According to McDonald, her sister is a nurse practitioner and works at the family care facility that her grandfather attends. The doctor at the facility recommended a new drug that was recently released, she said.
That drug is called bamlanivimab, a monoclonal antibody that can mimic the human immune system reaction to viral infection, the Minnesota Department of Health said.
McDonald said her grandfather tested positive for COVID Nov. 23 after her mother - the major's daughter - was infected with the virus.
Wooten was given a shot but was physically depleted the next day. He was taken to the hospital the day before Thanksgiving, McDonald said.
Within 24 hours after being administered with bamlanivimab, she said Wooten "was better." His blood oxygen levels are good and his lungs are "clear as a bell," she added.
