MANILA, Philippines — The “Queen of All Media,” Kris Aquino, has revealed she is battling COVID-19 once again, just days after being discharged from a six-week hospital stay.
In a poignant Instagram post shared on Wednesday, May 6, 2026, Aquino detailed her latest health setback, which comes as she continues to manage nine autoimmune conditions and a recent diagnosis of Deep Vein Thrombosis (DVT).
According to Aquino, her symptoms began shortly after returning home on Sunday, May 3.
- Timeline of Symptoms:
- Monday: Her eldest son, Josh, began coughing. Despite the risk, Kris slept with him to ensure he felt cared for.
- Tuesday: After receiving her scheduled Methotrexate (chemotherapy) injection, she felt extreme weakness.
- Wednesday – Monday night: She suffered from a persistent fever ranging between 37.8°C and 38.9°C, accompanied by “never-ending fits” of evening coughing.
- The Diagnosis: After learning that her friend, fashion designer JC Buendia, had tested positive during his own hospitalization, Kris took an antigen test that confirmed her reinfection.
Managing COVID-19 is particularly complex for Aquino due to her fragile health state and strict medication limits.
“Sleeping is a lost luxury because of my coughing,” she shared. “I can only take up to 300 mg of paracetamol for the whole day.”
Because her autoimmune treatments suppress her immune system, any viral infection poses a significant threat. Her recent DVT diagnosis also complicates matters, as blood clots prevent her from flying and require specific physical rehabilitation, including swimming, which she has asked for help finding in a “safe zone” environment.
Despite the visible physical toll—shown in photos of her receiving IV treatments in bed—Aquino remains determined. She used Justin Bieber’s “Never Say Never” as the background music for her update, a nod to her long-standing vow to keep fighting for her sons, Josh and Bimby.
Fans and fellow celebrities, including godson Dingdong Dantes, have flooded her social media with prayers. Just last March, Aquino had teased a potential project with Dantes and expressed excitement for her upcoming video podcast, which she plans to pursue “slowly” as her strength permits.