REPORT: 177,000 Hospitalized, 14,000 Died; Washington Commanders Co-Owner Magic Johnson Makes Case For Help Fighting RSV

Washington Commanders co-owner Magic Johnson recently spoke about public health issues during an interview with KTLA 5. Johnson, who was diagnosed as HIV positive before the 1991-92 NBA season, is well known for his healthcare advocacy.

A Washington Commanders co-owner mourned a death

Johnson recently mourned the death of Hydeia Broadbent, a fellow advocate for public health. Broadbent was a part of a special with Johnson in 1992:

 

I did a Nickelodeon special called “A Conversation with Magic”, and 7-year-old Hydeia and I made an incredible impact. Hydeia changed the world with her bravery, speaking about how living with HIV affected her life since birth. She dedicated her life to activism and became a change agent in the HIV/AIDS fight…

Thanks to Hydeia, millions were educated, stigmas were broken, and attitudes about HIV/AIDs were changed. We will miss her powerful voice in this world. Cookie and I are praying for the Broadbent family and everyone that knew and loved Hydeia.

I’m devastated to hear about the passing of an incredible young woman, activist and hero Hydeia Broadbent. In 1992, I did a Nickelodeon special called “A Conversation with Magic”, and 7-year-old Hydeia and I made an incredible impact. Hydeia changed the world with her bravery,… pic.twitter.com/cwiohZTwbF

— Earvin Magic Johnson (@MagicJohnson) February 21, 2024

Johnson has spent the past three decades combating stereotypes around HIV. But Johnson isn’t just publicly battling against the HIV; he is now trying to combat the respiratory synytial virius, or RSV.

Magic Johnson wants to battle RSV

Per the KTLA report, Johnson said the virus has become more deadly to older adults. He’s working with GSK to respond to RSV:

“Johnson’s health advocacy continues now with a partnership with the pharmaceutical company GSK to talk about respiratory syncytial (RSV). The two have launched Sideline RSV.

“It is a common contagious respiratory virus,” he explained. “It used to just be in babies, but now it affects those who are 60 and over. For the first time they have vaccinations, you can get vaccinated now.”

The three-time NBA MVP advises people to check with their doctor for additional information because that’s what he did.

“It’s very important because 177,000 people (have) been hospitalized last year with RSV and 14,000 died. And they didn’t know, just like I did before I sat down with GSK and they explained it to me. I said, ‘Hey, I’m 64 get ready to be 65 I got to ask my doctor about it and make sure I’m informed because I try to do everything I can to be as healthy as I can be.”

Vaccines are helping battle deadly viruses

Hopefully, those statistics will start to come down with the new vaccinations. It’s nice to see Johnson giving back to the community and spreading awareness about deadly viruses. HIV can be fatal, but it’s not the only virus that can be lethal.

Fortunately, vaccines have been invented for more viruses in recent years. The US’s prompt response to the COVID-19 pandemic allowed the hospitalization rates for the virus to stabilize so the healthcare community was not overwhelmed.

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