
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to the hospital in September 2023 after experiencing flu-like symptoms. He was diagnosed with an infection and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Thomas was discharged from the hospital a few days later and was reported to be resting comfortably. He missed a week of oral arguments but contributed to decisions through transcripts, audio, and briefs.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Name | Clarence Thomas |
| Occupation | Supreme Court Justice |
| Admitted to hospital | Friday, September 7, 2023 |
| Diagnosis | Infection with flu-like symptoms |
| Treatment | Intravenous antibiotics |
| Release date | Friday, September 12, 2023 |
| Age | 73 years old |
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What You'll Learn

Justice Clarence Thomas was discharged from the hospital in 2023
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was discharged from the hospital in 2023, according to a statement from the high court. Thomas was admitted to the hospital after experiencing "flu-like symptoms," including an infection, for which he was treated with intravenous antibiotics. Despite his illness, Thomas remained active in his work, contributing to decisions through transcripts, audios, and briefs.
Thomas' hospitalization sparked concern, given his stature as the longest-serving justice on the bench at the time and the second-oldest member of the court. His discharge brought relief, with the court expressing confidence in his recovery. Justice Thomas' health scare served as a reminder of the importance of the justices' well-being and their impact on the nation's highest court.
Thomas' release from the hospital was welcomed by many, especially those who value his conservative voice on the court. His absence due to illness had highlighted the potential impact of health issues on the court's dynamics and decision-making processes. Thomas' return to health allowed him to continue contributing to the court's work and influencing legal interpretations.
While the specific details of Justice Clarence Thomas' condition were not disclosed, the public was informed of his discharge and expected recovery. This transparency maintained trust in the court's operations and assured the public of the justices' health and ability to serve. Thomas' discharge marked a positive step towards his full recovery and resumption of his judicial duties.
Justice Clarence Thomas' discharge from the hospital in 2023 was a significant event, ensuring the continuity of his influential role on the Supreme Court. His recovery from the infection and flu-like symptoms allowed him to continue shaping legal interpretations and contributing to the court's crucial decisions. Thomas' health scare served as a reminder of the justices' mortality and the importance of their well-being in maintaining the stability of the nation's highest court.
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He was admitted for an infection with flu-like symptoms
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to the hospital after experiencing flu-like symptoms. He was diagnosed with an infection and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Thomas's illness was not COVID-19-related, although he had been vaccinated and boosted against the virus. The 73-year-old justice, who has been on the high court since 1991, was released from the hospital a week after his admission.
Upon his release, a spokesperson for the court noted that Thomas's symptoms had abated, and he was resting comfortably. Thomas missed a week of oral arguments due to his hospitalisation but contributed to decisions through transcripts, audios, and briefs.
The Supreme Court's initial press release regarding Thomas's hospitalisation stated that he had undergone tests and was being treated with antibiotics. They anticipated that he would be released in a day or two. However, no further updates were provided by the Supreme Court during his hospital stay.
Thomas's discharge from the hospital was announced by Supreme Court Public Information Officer Patricia McCabe via an emailed release. This update came two days after his transfer to the hospital was disclosed, creating a week-long gap between his admission and the public announcement of his release.
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Thomas missed a week of oral arguments
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was released from the hospital on Friday, according to a statement from the high court. Thomas was initially admitted to the hospital a week earlier for an infection with "flu-like symptoms." During his hospital stay, Thomas underwent tests and was treated with intravenous antibiotics. His illness was not COVID-related, and his symptoms improved before his release.
Thomas's hospitalization lasted for about a week, during which he missed oral arguments at the Supreme Court. Despite his absence, a spokesperson for the court assured that Thomas would still contribute to the decisions through transcripts, audios, and briefs. This arrangement allowed him to remain involved in the court's work while recovering from his illness.
The specific nature of Thomas's infection was not disclosed, but it prompted his hospitalization and treatment with antibiotics. Antibiotics are typically used to treat bacterial infections, which can vary in severity and location. In Thomas's case, the infection responded well to the treatment, and he was able to return home within a relatively short timeframe.
The Supreme Court did not provide updates on Thomas's condition during his hospitalization, maintaining a level of privacy around his health status. However, the spokesperson's statement about his release included details about his recovery and plans to continue his work remotely. This approach balanced Thomas's privacy with the public's interest in his well-being as a prominent member of the Supreme Court.
Justice Clarence Thomas, at 73 years old, is the second oldest member of the Supreme Court. His lengthy tenure, having served on the high court since 1991, makes him the longest-serving justice currently on the bench. His absence from oral arguments due to his hospitalization was notable given his significant role and experience on the court.
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He was treated with intravenous antibiotics
Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was admitted to hospital after experiencing flu-like symptoms. He was diagnosed with an infection and treated with intravenous antibiotics. Antibiotics are medications that help stop or slow the growth of bacteria and are commonly used to treat infections. They work by either killing the bacteria or preventing them from reproducing and spreading.
Intravenous antibiotics, also known as IV antibiotics, are administered directly into the vein through a needle or catheter. This method allows the antibiotics to enter the bloodstream and reach the site of infection quickly. It is often used when oral antibiotics are not suitable or when a higher concentration of the drug is required.
In the case of Justice Clarence Thomas, intravenous antibiotics were likely administered to treat his infection effectively and help him recover. IV antibiotics are often used for severe infections or when the patient is unable to take oral medications. By delivering the antibiotics directly into the bloodstream, the medication can work faster and more efficiently to fight the infection.
The specific type of antibiotic or combination of antibiotics used for Justice Clarence Thomas's treatment would have been determined by the type of bacterial infection he had. Different antibiotics target different types of bacteria, and selecting the appropriate one is crucial for effective treatment. It is important to note that while intravenous antibiotics can be very effective, they may also come with certain risks or side effects, such as irritation at the injection site, vein damage, or an increased risk of certain types of infections.
Justice Clarence Thomas's treatment with intravenous antibiotics lasted for a week, during which he missed oral arguments at the Supreme Court. However, he was expected to contribute to decisions through transcripts, audios, and briefs. His symptoms abated, and he was resting comfortably. Justice Thomas was discharged from the hospital, and his release was announced by the high court, bringing his hospital stay to a close.
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Thomas is the longest-serving justice currently on the bench
Justice Clarence Thomas, who was born in Georgia on June 23, 1948, is the longest-serving justice currently on the bench. He joined the U.S. Supreme Court on October 15, 1991, and has served for over three decades. Thomas is the only current Justice appointed before 2000 and has served 12,017 days as of September 16, 2024.
Thomas was nominated to the Supreme Court by President George H.W. Bush in 1991 to fill the vacancy left by the retirement of Justice Thurgood Marshall. Prior to his appointment, he served as a judge on the U.S. Court of Appeals for the District of Columbia Circuit, to which he was appointed by President Bush in 1989. Thomas underwent confirmation hearings in the Senate in September 1991, which were reopened due to allegations of sexual harassment. Despite the controversy, the Senate confirmed his nomination by a close vote of 52-48.
Throughout his tenure, Thomas has gained recognition for his conservative judicial philosophy. He has consistently opposed abortion rights, LGBTQ+ rights, and affirmative action while supporting the Second Amendment right to bear arms. Thomas has also demonstrated deference to executive authority and has taken a narrow view of statutory and constitutional rights for employees, criminal defendants, and prisoners.
In September 2024, Justice Thomas was hospitalized for an infection with flu-like symptoms, but he has since been released and recovered. As of January 20, 2025, he will have served on the Supreme Court for 33 years and 89 days. Thomas's length of service continues to edge him closer to the upper echelons of the most long-serving justices in the Court's history.
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Frequently asked questions
Yes, Supreme Court Justice Clarence Thomas was released from the hospital on Friday, a week after he was admitted for an infection with flu-like symptoms.
Judge Thomas experienced flu-like symptoms and was diagnosed with an infection. He was treated with intravenous antibiotics.
No, a spokesperson for the court confirmed that his illness was not related to COVID-19.








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