Actor Bryan Cranston has revealed that he contracted COVID-19. Now recovered, he is donating plasma to aid scientific research and is encouraging others to do so.
In a Thursday Instagram post, the "Breaking Bad" star sought to boost the morale of those suffering from the illness.
"About now you're probably feeling a little tied down, restricting your mobility and like me, you're tired of this," he wrote, adding, "Well, I just want to encourage you to have a little more patience. I was pretty strict in adhering to the protocols and still... I contracted the virus."
In the post, Cranston said he "was one of the lucky ones" because he only had mild symptoms.
"I was one of the lucky ones," he wrote. "I count my blessings and urge you to keep wearing the damn mask, keep washing your hands, and stay socially distant. We can prevail -- but ONLY if we follow the rules together. Be well -- Stay well."
In the two-minute video accompanying his post, Cranston can be seen at the UCLA Blood and Platelet Center donating plasma.
"I was sick with the coronavirus quite early on," he added. "My symptoms were a slight headache, tightness of chest and I lost all taste and smell. The symptoms show up different for everyone it seems."
The UCLA nurse helping Cranston explained the plasma donation process, which takes about an hour. Cranston also said he plans to return soon to make another donation, and encouraged others who have had the virus to do so too.