This 102-year-old woman beat COVID-19

Esther Marie Transue said her secret to longevity is “tryin’ to behave.”

April 24, 2020, 7:39 PM

A 102-year-old woman diagnosed with COVID-19 beat the odds and is now recovering.

Esther Marie Transue, a resident at Opis Highlands Lake Center assisted living facility in Lakeland, Florida, was diagnosed with COVID-19 on April 18 and immediately rushed to a local hospital.

Her primary symptom was a high fever, but just six days later she tested COVID-19 negative with no major health complications.

PHOTO: 102-year-old Esther Marie Transue tested COVID-19 negative after being diagnosed with the disease earlier this month.
102-year-old Esther Marie Transue tested COVID-19 negative after being diagnosed with the disease earlier this month.
Courtesy Jennifer Audette

So far, 8 out of 10 deaths in the U.S. have been adults 65 and older, according to the Center for Disease Control and Prevention.

Transue joked her secret to a long life is “tryin' to behave.”

"Just keep on living," Transue said. "I'm 102 years old. When the Lord’s ready for me, he'll take me."

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