Bob Hope on Road to Recovery, but Still in Hospital

Comedian Bob Hope will remain hospitalized for a few more days as he recovers from a mild case of pneumonia, his spokesman said Monday.

The 98-year-old entertainer is “improving and doing quite well,” said Ward Grant. “But because of his age they’re keeping him in the hospital a few more days.”

Hope was admitted a week ago to Providence St. Joseph Medical Center in Burbank after experiencing trouble breathing at his Toluca Lake home.

Earlier reports said Hope could be released as early as Labor Day.

But his physician, Lee Kagan, said he wanted to ensure that Hope is “good and strong before we send him home,” according to the comedian’s Web site.

Hope has received more than 4,000 e-mails expressing best wishes from fans around the world, according to the site.

Hope’s family continues to visit him daily, Grant said.

“I have been told by the nursing staff that they’ve become so fond of dad that they want him to stay a few more days,” said the comedian’s daughter, Linda Hope.

Kagan will hold another briefing today, Grant said.

Pneumonia is a potentially life-threatening infection or inflammation of the lungs that can be caused by bacteria, viruses or parasites.

Every year, about 80,000 people die from it, and pneumonia is a contributing factor in an additional 100,000 deaths, according to the National Center for Health Statistics.

According to the American Lung Assn., people at the highest risk for developing pneumonia include the elderly, very young children and people already weakened by other serious health problems such as AIDS or cancer.