Sir Rod Stewart, 79, issued urgent warning over singing future amid Covid diagnosis
Rod Stewart has been warned that he could lose his voice if his recovery isn't right
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Sir Rod Stewart, 79, is currently on the mend from contracting strep throat and Covid-19 within a matter of days, leaving the pop legend being forced to cancel a series of concerts.
Stewart has been touring around America and recently revealed the news that he would be returning to Vegas next year for his "Encore" tour, noting he was having "too much fun".
The star is a self-confessed "workaholic" who has no intention with of slowing down, leaving his wife, Penny Lancaster to note to HELLO! magazine: "He loves what he does so much and will never retire.
"He's a workaholic and constantly on the move. I struggle to keep up with his training schedule. He works out three or four times a week, even on tour."
However, the star has been left struggling with some health concerns, just days after he confessed that he knows his "days are numbered".
Stewart recently had to cancel a second lot of concert performances after contracting Covid-19 just days after announcing he had fallen ill with strep throat.
Writing on his Instagram, his team announced: "We regret to announce that tonight's Rod Stewart concert in Stateline, NV and his August 10 show in Lincoln, CA have been postponed, as the singer recovers from a summer strain of Covid-19.
"The Lincoln, CA concert at Thunder Valley Casino will now be on August 18 and his concert at Lake Tahoe Outdoor Arena at Harveys in Stateline, NV concert will now be in August 20. Ticket holders should hold onto their tickets as they will be honoured for the rescheduled shows."
Whilst the star is keen to get back on stage, he has been warned that his recovery will need "significant rehabilitation" for his voice to return to normal after his illness.
Speaking to GB News, Dr Chun Tang, a GP and Medical Director at Pall Mall Medical discussed the long-lasting effects on the vocal cords and said: "Covid can have several long-lasting effects on the vocal cords, especially for those who experienced severe symptoms.
Rod Stewart has been dealing with strep throat and Covid-19
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"The virus can cause persistent inflammation of the vocal cords, leading to ongoing hoarseness, a reduced vocal range, and a weak or breathy voice. In some cases, it can also cause nerve damage that affects the control and coordination of the vocal cords, resulting in a condition known as vocal fold paralysis.
"This can make it difficult to speak or sing normally and may require significant rehabilitation."
When discussing what would happen if Stewart were to ignore the advice about his recovery and treatment for strep and Covid, Tang added: "Ignoring recovery and treatment advice can have a serious impact.
"If you keep singing with an inflamed voice you could be heading for chronic damage, such as the development of vocal nodules or scarring. These issues can permanently alter the quality, range, and strength of your voice.
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Penny Lancaster previously noted how her husband is a "workaholic"
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"There’s also the possibility of recurring infections that weaken your vocal cords over time, and this will make it increasingly difficult to speak clearly, never mind sing.
"In the worst-case scenario, this could mean the end of a singing career or require surgery to correct the damage which can carry its own risks."