Music legend Sting appeared with his wife Trudie Styler at The Wayuu Taya Foundation’s Spring Gala this week, only months after his challenging ‘infection’. The Police singer, 73, was spotted supporting the event designed to aid Indigenous communities across Latin America.
Fans were concerned earlier in the year when news broke that Sting had no choice but to postpone a string of concerts due to health issues. Performances in Phoenix, Arizona, Wheatland, California, and a gig for Cherrytree Music Company were all delayed ‘due to illness’.
His team also confirmed his inability to attend the Bass Magazine Awards, where he was set to receive a lifetime achievement award.
Posting to Sting’s official Instagram account they previously said: “On advisement from his doctor, due to illness, it is with sincere regret that Sting must cancel his appearance at the Bass Magazine Awards this Thursday and postpone his STING 3.0 concerts in Phoenix, AZ (originally scheduled for January 24) to June 1 and Wheatland, CA (originally scheduled for January 26) to May 28 as well as his performance at the Cherrytree Music Company’s 20th anniversary, now taking place May 29.
“Fans should retain their tickets for the postponed shows, as they will be honoured on the new dates. Sting sincerely apologises for any inconvenience and extends his gratitude to the fans for their understanding.”
Followers soon flooded the update with get-well messages, expressing their concern for Sting’s health. One person said: “This scared me I thought something serious happened to Sting I was about ready to cry. Get well soon Sting and I’m looking forward to seeing your show in may in Oregon.”
Meanwhile, another added: “Get well soon @theofficialsting sending healing hugs and hope to see you in Scotland in June,” as someone else chimed in: “Message in a bottle get better.”
Later that day, Sting personally updated his fans, confirming that he had a ‘temporary throat infection’ but was on the mend. “Thanks so much for all of the well wishes,” the Wallsend-born star wrote on January 22.
“I am steadily improving from a temporary throat infection which has prevented me from singing, though I’m looking forward to resuming my performances and rescheduled shows soon. Love, Sting.”
Sting did not disclose the exact infection or symptoms he experienced, but his update came as the UK faced a ‘quademic’ with four major illnesses circulating that winter.
Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), flu, coronavirus and norovirus were among the bugs of concern, with the latter experiencing a surge that was double the usual outbreak level anticipated for this season.
Although norovirus is famously dubbed the ‘winter vomiting bug,’ which causes nausea and diarrhoea, flu, coronavirus, and RSV can all cause a sore throat.
As a result, it is particularly difficult to distinguish between these three illnesses. Testing is the only way to determine a diagnosis.
Dr Gareth Nye, a Biomedical Science lecturer at the University of Salford, previously told the Express: “Norovirus has a very particular range of symptoms with vomiting, sickness and diarrhoea being present. Coronavirus, RSV and flu have overlapping symptoms, having the tell-tale loss of smell and taste. Without testing, however, it is incredibly difficult to say for certain which of these three infections you have.
“…The advice is always the same: if you feel unwell, you should remain isolated as much as possible. Masks remain a very good method of preventing further infections. Vaccines for flu and coronavirus can help those people more vulnerable and should always be taken when offered.”
Sting triumphantly returned to the stage at the FireAid charity concert on January 30 to raise funds for communities devastated by the Los Angeles wildfires. He has since graced The Tonight Show starring Jimmy Fallon alongside Shaggy, performing their new track, ‘Til A Mawnin.’
NHS guidance on four key bugs that impact the throat
Norovirus symptoms may include:
- Nausea
- Diarrhoea
- Vomiting
- Potential for high temperature
- Aching legs and arms
- Headaches
RSV symptoms may include:
- Shivering and high temperatures
- Sneezing
- Exhaustion/tiredness
- Runny or blocked nose
- Cough
- Babies with RSV may also feed less than usual and seem more irritable
Coronavirus
- High temperature and/or shivering
- Body aching
- Fatigue or exhaustion
- Headaches
- New, continuous cough – this means coughing a lot for more than an hour or three or more coughing episodes in 24 hours
- Loss or change in smell or taste
- Sore throat
- Shortness of breath
- Blocked or runny nose
- Diarrhoea
- Nausea
- Loss of appetite
Flu symptoms may include:
- Nausea and vomiting
- Sore throat
- Dry cough
- Headaches
- Exhaustion and fatigue
- Body aches
- High temperature
- Stomach pain or diarrhoea
- Sleeping problems
- Children may also get ear pain