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RSV Hospitalisation Costs Hit Older Singaporeans Harder Than Neighbouring Countries
A new white paper has revealed the financial and emotional strain posed by Respiratory Syncytial Virus (RSV) on older adults in Singapore and other high-income Asia-Pacific Economic Cooperation (APEC) countries. Conducted by global healthcare consultancy IQVIA and commissioned by GSK, the findings shine a spotlight on the pressing need for greater awareness and prevention measures.
Financial Burden of RSV in Singapore
The study estimates that in 2023, there were 3,251 RSV-related hospitalisations among older adults in Singapore. The average hospitalisation cost per person was SGD 9,430 (USD 7,037), making it one of the highest in the region. Comparatively, costs in Australia and Japan were lower, at SGD 7,757 (USD 5,789) and SGD 8,242 (USD 6,151) respectively, though Hong Kong surpassed Singapore slightly, averaging SGD 7,848 (USD 10,515).
These staggering costs stem from the extended hospital stays, intensive care requirements, and emergency visits often associated with severe RSV cases. Older adults living with chronic conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, and heart disease face even greater risks, leading to further complications and, in many cases, a loss of independence post-recovery.
RSV and the Hidden Toll on Older Adults
RSV is a highly contagious virus affecting the respiratory system, and while it can strike people of all ages, older adults are particularly vulnerable. As the immune system weakens with age, RSV can cause more severe symptoms and exacerbate underlying conditions.
Shockingly, one in twenty older adults in Singapore aged 65 years or over has tested positive for RSV in influenza-negative specimens, according to a separate four-year study. The broader burden of RSV extends beyond hospital costs—patients and their families bear the emotional toll of long recoveries and the financial strain of medical expenses.
Raising Awareness and Taking Action
The findings underscore the urgent need to strengthen public awareness, early detection, and preventive measures against RSV.
Dr Lee Tau Hong, an Infectious Disease Specialist in Singapore, highlighted that the virus not only strains healthcare systems during peak flu and RSV seasons but also takes a significant toll on patients and families. “Addressing this burden through prevention, early detection, and education is critical to safeguarding public health and reducing the impact of RSV on our communities,” he said.
Preventive actions, such as RSV vaccination programmes, could alleviate this burden significantly. IQVIA’s report also emphasised the importance of good hygiene practices, such as covering coughs and maintaining physical distance when unwell, to help curb transmission.
The Growing Challenge of an Ageing Population
Singapore’s ageing population adds another layer of urgency. Currently, more than 85 percent of adults aged 60 years or over report living with at least one chronic condition. By 2030, nearly 25 percent of Singapore’s population is expected to be aged 65 years or older—a significant rise from today’s fourteen percent.
Dr Stephanie Cinthu Stephen Ambrose, Country Medical Director at GSK Singapore, noted: “Older adults who come out of hospitalisation due to severe RSV could experience significant changes in the quality of their lives, with some sharing that they were never the same person again. This highlights the urgent need to address the growing impact of RSV infections on healthcare systems and strengthen primary, acute, and long-term care.”
Collaborative Solutions for a Healthier Future
The white paper calls on healthcare practitioners, policymakers, and public health organisations to work together to reduce RSV-related hospitalisations and improve patient outcomes. By prioritising preventative care and raising awareness, Singapore can better protect its older adults, ensuring that they maintain a higher quality of life as they age.
Pictures: Credit to GSK
