Phil Valentine, a conservative talk-show host is currently battling COVID-19 with an oxygen tank at the hospital.After his comments about downplaying the coronavirus as well as the vaccines, he was forced to admit that he needed hospitalization.Valentine has stated that only those with "underlying medical issues" will need a vaccine.10 Things in Politics: Keep up to date with the most recent political and economic news. Loading Something is loading. Click Sign up to receive marketing emails and other offers from Insider.A conservative talk-show host, who downplayed coronavirus, has been diagnosed with a severe COVID-19 virus and must now be placed on oxygen.Phil Valentine, host and presenter of "The Phil Valentine Show," was diagnosed earlier this month.Mark Valentine, brother to the victim, posted on Facebook that he was now in hospital and on an oxygen machine."Phil made it through the night. He must be on an EKMO(sic) machine which he describes as the lung part of a machine that is heart/lung.His post stated that they were trying to transport him via helicopter to a hospital. He was required to be able sit on his back for several hours, which is something I did not think he could do. But he did!Mark posted another update Saturday morning stating that Phil is "critical, but stable".Mark wrote Saturday that all of Mark's vital signs were great and the vent was doing its job." We get more optimistic every day!"Phil said that the coronavirus was not as severe as doctors have claimed it to be on his radio show."I am not anti-vaxxer. He said it in a December blog posting. What are my chances of getting COVID?" They are very low. How likely am I to die from COVID? It's probably less than 1 percent.Phil also stated that he believes those who have "underlying health problems" are the ones who should be vaccinated against coronavirus.He stated, "If you are not at high risk of death from COVID then it is probably safer to not get it."According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, adults who have had underlying medical conditions such as diabetes or heart disease have a greater chance of developing severe COVID-19 symptoms.A COVID-19 vaccine can be used to prevent the spread of the virus, and also offer protection to other people.Mark says Phil, 61 has changed his mind since his hospitalization.He now regrets his comments about vaccines after he has been diagnosed with the disease. His family stated that he is "regretful" of his comments."Phil would like his listeners know that he has never been anti-vaxer, but regrets not being more vehemently pro-Vaccine. He looks forward to being able more vigorously advocate for that position once he is back on air, which we all hope will soon," Mark stated in an earlier Facebook posting.
