As Ellen DeGeneres prepared to end her long-running talk show after 19 seasons, she reflected on both career milestones and personal challenges. Among them was her experience with COVID-19, which she contracted in December 2020. Despite taking precautions, she later revealed that one of her most unexpected symptoms was severe, “excruciating” back pain.

After stepping away from television following workplace controversy, DeGeneres focused on her passion for wildlife conservation, including the Ellen DeGeneres Campus of the Dian Fossey Gorilla Fund in Rwanda. Around this time, she shared her COVID-19 diagnosis publicly, noting that although she recovered fully within weeks, the intense back pain caught her off guard and wasn’t widely discussed at the time.

During an appearance on Jimmy Kimmel Live! in April 2021, DeGeneres spoke candidly about her symptoms. She explained that while many people were aware of common signs like fever or fatigue, fewer expected severe muscle or back pain. Early guidance from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention did include “muscle aches,” but not specifically back pain as a distinct symptom.

Health experts later clarified that muscle and joint pain can result from viral infections, inactivity, or inflammation. Organizations like the National Health Service noted that reduced movement during illness or lockdowns could worsen stiffness and discomfort. While back pain alone isn’t a definitive sign of COVID-19, DeGeneres’ experience highlighted how symptoms can vary and evolve as medical understanding grows.