James Tests Positive for Influenza A
He may be the King, but even the King can catch the flu.
LeBron James missed the Cavaliers’ preseason game on Wednesday against the Washington Wizards with flu-like symptoms. Now, the Cavs’ star forward has tested positive for Influenza A, along with Darnell Jackson and Coby Karl.
The three returned to practice on Thursday, although they are being treated like they have the H1N1 (swine flu) virus. H1N1 is a strain of Influenza A.
“You come back around and everyone is like, ‘Ugh, you got the cooties,’ ” James said Thursday. “They don’t want to be around you.”
The three sick players are traveling to Texas for the Cavs’ preseason games against the San Antonio Spurs on Friday and Dallas Mavericks Saturday, although they’re well-equipped with the proper medicine.
“We feel very comfortable and confident that what we are doing is an appropriate course of action,” Cavs spokesman Tad Carper said. “The key for us is to approach things proactively and from a presumptive standpoint.”
As James points out, at least the flu bug struck in the preseason.
“If it’s going to happen, now is the best time,” James said. “I don’t wish anyone to be sick. I wish great health for everyone. But if this is the time the flu bug is going to hit our team, I’m glad it’s happening now.”
