Former President Bill Clinton, 78, made shockwaves in the headlines this week after it was reported that he was hospitalized following the development of a fever.

According to NBC News, a top aide to the former president confirmed with the outlet that Clinton had been taken to the hospital for observation.

Angel Ureña, Clinton's deputy chief of staff, told the outlet that Clinton "has been admitted to MedStar Georgetown University Hospital for testing and observation after developing a fever."

Another source cited by the outlet said the situation wasn't one to be alarmed about, saying his hospitalization was "not urgent."

What's going on?

NBC went on to report that the source close to Clinton indicated that the former president took the initiative on his own as far as going to the hospital and wanting to be checked out, just in case.

"The former president will be fine," the source continued. "He developed a fever and wanted to be checked out. He is awake and alert."

It's understandable, given that the former president has had a number of health scares over the years, including a quadruple bypass surgery in 2004, and a heart surgery involving multiple stents in 2010.

In an updated NBC News report, it was revealed that Clinton had been released from the hospital after being treated for the "flu."

His chief of staff released another statement with an update on his condition.

"President Clinton was discharged earlier today after being treated for the flu. He and his family are deeply grateful for the exceptional care provided by the team at MedStar Georgetown University Hospital and are touched by the kind messages and well wishes he received. He sends his warmest wishes for a happy and healthy holiday season to all," the statement read.

Bill Clinton released from the hospital after a brief stay for flu treatment. #HealthUpdate #BillClinton
Read more: https://t.co/KlMGwTYuTV pic.twitter.com/XQPs9didvx

— MSN (@MSN) December 24, 2024

Conspiracies brew

Given the generic nature of the original report regarding the "fever" he developed that led to a hospital visit, many across social media wondered if there's more to the story. Others mocked the former president's wife, Hillary Clinton.

"I'm betting Bill just wanted to get away from Hillary during the holiday season! You know any nurse there is better looking than her! Probably nicer, too!" one X user wrote.

Another X user wrote, "How many people check into a hospital for a FEVER? How many people get treated for the flu in a HOSPITAL?"