A Westchester tale: Gianna Palminteri talks publicly about her COVID-19 battle

A Westchester tale: Gianna Palminteri talks publicly about her COVID-19 battle

News 12 Staff

Apr 8, 2020, 8:45 PM

Updated 1,471 days ago

Share:

One of the Hudson Valley's most well-known celebrity couples is taking their battle with the coronavirus public.
Speaking to News 12 over video chat from inside her bedroom in Bedford, writer and producer Gianna Palminteri is talking publicly for the first time about her medical struggles coping with COVID-19.
"After 10 straight days of fever and no end in sight, I thought this is much stronger than I thought," she says.
Her doctors at Northern Westchester prescribed her a combination of anti-malaria pills and antibiotics. 
"I got out Sunday night and I'm very happy to be back. I'm lucky to be able to breathe again," she says.
Her husband - actor Chazz Palminteri - has taken the role as nurse. 
She said he had Clorox, he had masks and he was suited up.
She says the reason she is speaking out now is to warn other families in Westchester and beyond that the coronavirus can strike down anyone. 
Palminteri is 54 and had no pre-existing conditions, yet the virus left her critically ill and hospitalized. 
"Don't take this for granted, even if you are younger and in perfect health. This is a tricky virus. This COVID-19 is very strong," she says. 
Palminteri says she learned that people need to take better care of each other.  She says she vows she is going to help others, starting with the people at Northern Westchester Hospital who brought her light during the darkest medical scare of her life. 
She says she plans to do a benefit concert and show them the appreciation they deserve. 
 
 
PHOTOS: Heroes on the front lines work through the COVID-19 outbreak
undefined
 


More from News 12
2:06
Lyndhurst in Bloom flower show is this weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion

Lyndhurst in Bloom flower show is this weekend at Lyndhurst Mansion

2:36
Dry afternoon for Friday throughout the Hudson Valley before evening showers roll in

Dry afternoon for Friday throughout the Hudson Valley before evening showers roll in

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

Vote 2024: Ask your questions for Congressional District 16 Democratic candidates

1:10
State police in the Hudson Valley ramp up patrols to catch impaired drivers on April 20

State police in the Hudson Valley ramp up patrols to catch impaired drivers on April 20

0:54
Protesters march outside Yonkers County Family Court to call for reform in the system

Protesters march outside Yonkers County Family Court to call for reform in the system

0:31
Greenwood Lake mayor, village building inspector suddenly resign

Greenwood Lake mayor, village building inspector suddenly resign

0:38
1 of 2 men charged in Bedford firebombing pleads guilty

1 of 2 men charged in Bedford firebombing pleads guilty

0:24
Holtec International sues NYS over law banning discharge of radiological waste into the Hudson

Holtec International sues NYS over law banning discharge of radiological waste into the Hudson

0:29
Cortlandt community composting program accepting food scraps

Cortlandt community composting program accepting food scraps

0:26
Rifton USPS in Ulster County closed indefinitely due to safety hazard

Rifton USPS in Ulster County closed indefinitely due to safety hazard

0:21
The Orange County Land Trust launches wilderness campaign effort

The Orange County Land Trust launches wilderness campaign effort

0:46
Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities hosted its 5th annual Eco Awards

Westchester County’s Environmental Facilities hosted its 5th annual Eco Awards

0:40
Authorities: Mahopac man captured sexually explicit images of children with hidden camera

Authorities: Mahopac man captured sexually explicit images of children with hidden camera

0:50
Bark Air is launching flights catered to dogs out of Westchester County Airport

Bark Air is launching flights catered to dogs out of Westchester County Airport

1:40
Preliminary report uncovers over 100 potential unmarked burials at historic Rye cemetery

Preliminary report uncovers over 100 potential unmarked burials at historic Rye cemetery

0:40
TEDx Talk at Mamaroneck HS focuses on mental health of adolescents, families, communities

TEDx Talk at Mamaroneck HS focuses on mental health of adolescents, families, communities

0:12
Police: Woman hurt in Yonkers stabbing

Police: Woman hurt in Yonkers stabbing

0:43
City of Yonkers to run Nepperhan Community Center following financial mismanagement report

City of Yonkers to run Nepperhan Community Center following financial mismanagement report

Is your mom awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your Mom Rocks!

Is your mom awesome? Hudson Valley tell us why your Mom Rocks!

0:54
Guide: How to host Passover on a budget

Guide: How to host Passover on a budget