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Margaret Thatcher admitted to hospital

Former British prime minister undergoes precautionary tests for a flu-related infection

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Former British Prime Minister Margaret Thatcher has been admitted to the hospital following a recent bout of flu, officials said Tuesday.

Prime Minister David Cameron’s office said he wished the former leader a “speedy recovery.”

“We understand from Lady Thatcher’s office that she has been admitted to hospital for precautionary tests following her recent bout of flu,” a Downing Street statement said.

Thatcher, who was prime minister from 1979 to 1990, had to skip a reception in honor of her 85th birthday last week because of the flu. She wrote a letter of apology to the 150 friends and colleagues who attended the reception, which was hosted by Cameron at 10 Downing Street.

Thatcher has suffered from a series of health problems in recent years. In 2008 she became ill during a dinner and had to spend the night in the hospital as a precaution. She was later given a clean bill of health.

The BBC quoted an unnamed spokesman as saying the former leader’s condition is not serious and she is expected to be home in a few days. Reports said she was being treated in a private hospital in London.

Sky News said Thatcher is still troubled by an infection related to the flu and her aides called in a doctor to assess her condition on Tuesday. She was then taken to the hospital for tests, the report said quoting unnamed people close to the former Conservative leader.

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Her spokesmen did not immediately return calls from The Associated Press seeking details of her condition Tuesday.


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