George H.W. Bush Hospitalized; Former President May Remain in Texas Hospital Past Christmas

Former United States President George H.W. Bush remains in the hospital as of Sunday since first being treated for bronchitis in November. 

President Bush was taken to the Methodist Hospital in Houston, TX the day after Thanksgiving to be treated for a severe case cough that he has suffered from for at least two months.

Extra care was taken for the 88-year-old who was hospitalized for possibly developing pneumonia at his age and condition.

"His doctors feel he should build up his energy before going home," read a statement by hospital spokesperson George Kovacik, according to Reuters.

Doctors are optimistic that the former president will make a full recovery, but he may remain hospitalized during Christmas. A date of discharge has not been released for Bush.

The lingering cough has diminished slightly and Bush has received physical therapy to keep up his strength while he battles the sickness.

While the former president remains in stable condition, doctors are being "extra cautious" during his care, according to The Daily Mail.

George Herbert Walker Bush was the 41st president of the United States serving from 1989-1993. He also served as the head of the Central Intelligence Agency, and served two terms as vice president under Ronald Regan from 1981 to 1989.

The former president has six children with wife Barbara. One of his children, Robin, died young. Two of his sons have held high political offices - George W. Bush served as the 43rd president of the United States and son Jeb Bush served as governor of Florida. Jeb has even been slated as a possible contender for the presidency in 2016, according to The Huffington Post.

Since leaving office, the former president has been active in raising money for disasters such as the 2004 Asian tsunami and Hurricane Katrina in 2005.