The controversial but popular podcast host Joe Rogan has tested positive for COVID-19.

The stand-up comedian, who has faced criticism for suggesting that young, healthy people should not take the COVID-19 vaccine, said he became ill while returning from a show in Florida, where infection rates are high.

Rogan said he had a headache and was feeling “very weary” and “run down”, and that he had quarantined himself away from the rest of his family and took a COVID test.

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The 54-year-old’s vaccination status is unknown, but he stressed “I’m not an anti-vax person” following his contrarian opinions about the jab.

He added that he is being treated with a number of medicines, including monoclonal antibodies and the steroid prednisone.

Rogan added that he was on a “vitamin drip” and the animal deworming agent ivermectin, which has not been approved for use to treat COVID-19 by the US Food and Drug Administration.

In fact, the FDA explicitly warns against using the drug, saying in a statement on its website: “FDA has not approved ivermectin for use in treating or preventing COVID-19 in humans.

“Ivermectin tablets are approved at very specific doses for some parasitic worms, and there are topical (on the skin) formulations for head lice and skin conditions like rosacea. Ivermectin is not an anti-viral (a drug for treating viruses).

“Taking large doses of this drug is dangerous and can cause serious harm.”

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The drug has become popular among COVID sceptics in the US, with many choosing to take the unapproved animal dewormer over the now FDA-approved vaccine.

Rogan has been touring with his show The Sacred Clown, and had been due to perform in Nashville, Tennessee on Friday alongside fellow comic Dave Chappelle.

He is known for being one of the world’s most popular podcasters, with his show The Joe Rogan Experience being bought by Spotify in 2020, reportedly for an amount in excess of $100m (£77m).

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