Fans of The View got an answer this week about why co-host Alyssa Farah Griffin has been noticeably absent from the panel.
The conservative voice at the Hot Topics table took to Instagram Stories on Wednesday to explain her three-day disappearance following the Thanksgiving break.
She’s been battling a stomach virus—and doing so while six-and-a-half months pregnant.
Her message serves as a timely reminder about staying healthy during winter illness season, especially for expectant mothers.
Griffin Breaks Silence on Social Media
Griffin addressed concerned viewers directly through her Instagram Stories, offering both an explanation and a public health reminder.
Hey guys! I’ve been down sick with a stomach virus but will hopefully be back on The View tomorrow.
Her announcement came after three consecutive days away from the ABC talk show, which returned from its Thanksgiving holiday break on Monday, December 1.
When the show resumed, Whoopi Goldberg acknowledged Griffin’s absence to viewers. The Monday panel consisted of Goldberg, Sarah Haines, Ana Navarro, and Sunny Hostin, with Joy Behar taking her usual Monday off.
Being Sick While Pregnant: No Walk in the Park
Griffin didn’t sugarcoat the experience of dealing with illness during pregnancy.
It’s no fun being sick.
Stomach viruses during pregnancy present unique challenges that non-pregnant individuals don’t face. Dehydration becomes a more serious concern, as pregnant women need additional fluids to support both themselves and their developing baby.
Medication options are also limited. Many over-the-counter remedies that would normally help aren’t safe during pregnancy, leaving expectant mothers with fewer tools to manage symptoms.
Nausea and vomiting from a stomach bug compound the morning sickness many women already experience, especially in early-to-mid pregnancy. At 6.5 months, Griffin is in her third trimester—a time when physical discomfort is already heightened.
A Seasonal Warning Worth Heeding
Griffin used her platform to remind followers about preventing illness during peak virus season.
Remember it’s that time of year — be smart, use hand sanitizer, stay home if you’re sick.
Her advice aligns with public health guidance that becomes especially critical during winter months. Norovirus—the most common cause of stomach bugs—peaks between November and April in the United States.
Key prevention strategies include:
- Frequent handwashing with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Using hand sanitizer when soap isn’t available (though handwashing is more effective against norovirus)
- Staying home when ill to prevent spreading infection
- Avoiding food preparation for others while symptomatic
- Disinfecting contaminated surfaces with bleach-based cleaners
For pregnant women specifically, avoiding sick contacts becomes even more important. Their immune systems are naturally suppressed to prevent rejection of the fetus, making them more susceptible to infections.
Griffin’s Journey to The View
The political analyst joined The View in 2022, bringing conservative perspective to the panel after years in Washington politics.
Her career trajectory through the Trump administration was notable. She served as Press Secretary to Vice President Mike Pence before transitioning to the Department of Defense in the same role in September 2019.
By April 2020, Griffin had moved into Trump’s inner circle as the third White House Director of Strategic Communications. However, she resigned in December 2020—before the administration ended.
Her departure proved prescient. One month later, she publicly condemned Trump for his role in inciting the January 6, 2021 Capitol attack, marking a clear break from her former boss.
This willingness to criticize Trump distinguishes Griffin from typical conservative commentators. She brings insider knowledge of Republican politics while maintaining independence from MAGA orthodoxy—a balance that creates compelling television and often sparks debate among her co-hosts.
Expected Return and What’s Next
In her Instagram post, Griffin expressed hope about returning to the panel on Thursday, December 4.
Her comeback would restore the show’s full dynamic heading into a politically charged period. With the 2024 election aftermath still generating daily headlines, The View needs its complete roster for Hot Topics debates.
As Griffin navigates her third trimester, viewers can expect to see her pregnancy progress on-air. The show has historically embraced co-hosts’ personal milestones, and Griffin’s journey to motherhood will likely become part of the show’s narrative in coming months.
For now, fans are wishing her a speedy recovery—and taking her advice to heart about staying healthy this winter.