‘We thought we were going to lose Mum': Why those over 60 need to take this common virus seriously
Symptoms of the respiratory syncytial virus may begin with a runny nose, sore throat and fever. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
BRANDED CONTENT 'We thought we were going to lose Mum': Why those over 60 need to take this common virus seriously Respiratory syncytial virus often mimics a common cold, but in older adults, this contagious virus can quickly lead to severe infections that may require hospitalisation and ICU admission
Ms Mary Chua (not her real name) vividly remembers the sight of her 95-year-old mother in the hospital, hooked up to various machines. It all started like a typical flu – just a cough. But things took a turn for the worse within days.
The cough led to wheezing, then breathlessness. Even with her nursing background, Ms Chua, 69, found herself at a complete loss.
Hospital tests eventually revealed that her 95-year-old mother Jane Tan (not her real name) had respiratory syncytial virus (RSV).
'She couldn't breathe at all,' recalls Ms Chua. 'I had to tell my sister in the US to come back, because we thought we were going to lose mum.'
According to Dr Lee Tau Hong, an infectious disease specialist at Infectious Diseases Care Clinic in Singapore, RSV is a common, highly contagious virus that usually causes mild symptoms in healthy individuals2,6
'However, in older adults and adults living with certain underlying conditions, RSV can cause severe illness such as pneumonia and cardiac complications7.'
According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there is no specific treatment for RSV8.
Madam Tan, who has a history of bronchitis, pneumonia, a heart issue and dementia, developed a severe RSV infection. She was hospitalised for 15 days in September last year.
Dr Lee notes that RSV infections that need hospitalisation tend to lead to more serious outcomes than influenza cases4.
'Adults hospitalised with RSV were six times more likely to die within 28 days and more than twice as likely to be admitted to the intensive care unit (ICU) compared to those hospitalised with the flu.'
It was not the end of Madam Tan's ordeal. Reinfection is possible9, and in February this year, she started wheezing again. This led to another two-week hospital stay. She was also sedated due to her breathing difficulties and spent a night in the ICU as a precaution.
These brushes with RSV have also been hard on Ms Chua. As the main caregiver, alongside a trained helper and her 72-year-old sister, she juggles her time between caregiving and volunteering at a church, having taken a step back from full-time work.
These brushes with RSV have also been hard on Ms Chua. She serves as the main caregiver, with support from a trained helper and her 72-year-old sister. Due to her mother's condition, Ms Chua has taken a step back from full-time work and now divides her time between caregiving and volunteering at a church.
It has been difficult seeing her mother's health decline significantly these past seven months. 'When my mother was hospitalised due to RSV, I truly thought I was going to lose her and it was a devastating time for our family,' says Ms Chua.
'We used to do word search and jigsaw puzzles together and visit shopping centres – but not anymore. Her cognitive and physical abilities have declined, and her dementia has worsened.
'As a caregiver, watching a loved one struggle with RSV is incredibly challenging. The challenge goes beyond the illness itself – it is the sleepless nights, the constant worry and the disruption to daily life,' she added.
Spotting the signs of RSV
According to WHO, RSV symptoms include runny nose, sore throat, headache, cough, shortness of breath, fast breathing, bronchospasm (tightened airways) and wheezing8.
The patient may also have other symptoms such as congestion, sneezing, difficulty breathing and cyanosis (bluish colouring of the skin due to lack of oxygen)5. Therefore, individuals are advised to consult a healthcare professional the moment symptoms appear, even if they seem mild7.
Similar to other respiratory infections such as influenza and Covid-19, RSV is transmitted by tiny droplets expelled from a cough or sneeze10. Protecting loved ones involves many of the same hygiene protocols adopted during the Covid-19 pandemic: regular handwashing, disinfecting surfaces, avoiding face-touching and masking up when unwell10.
Notes Dr Lee: 'RSV poses a significant burden on patients, their families and healthcare systems worldwide. As a healthcare provider, I see firsthand how severe RSV infections can be, particularly for older adults, and those with underlying health conditions. It not only causes distress for patients but also places immense strain on resources during peak flu and RSV seasons.'
'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 adds.
'When my mother was hospitalised due to RSV, I realised how vulnerable we all are to this virus. The financial strain is just as overwhelming as the emotional toll. Hospital bills, medication costs and the possibility of long-term care can quickly add up, leaving families financially drained on top of the stress of caring for a loved one,' shares Ms Chua.
How RSV affects Singaporeans
In Singapore, RSV tests are only administered when patients are hospitalised with severe symptoms, though some general practitioners may also offer testing4.
While RSV can affect individuals of all ages, detection is especially crucial for older adults as they may have weakened immunity and pre-existing chronic conditions11. According to a study conducted in Singapore, one in every 20 older adults aged 65 years and above tested positive for RSV12.
Preventive measures such as spotting the signs of RSV, good hygiene practices, taking steps for cleaner air, wearing of masks and RSV vaccinations can reduce the virus' impact on older adults.
PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES
According to IQVIA, a global healthcare consultancy, there were an estimated 3,251 RSV hospitalisations in Singapore in 2023, with an average cost of $9,430 per patient aged 60 or over13. A recent Singapore study published this year showed that half of all adult hospitalised RSV patients incurred hospitalisation costs of at least $3,358, while 25 per cent incurred at least $6,2814.
Older adults are at a higher risk of being ill from RSV due to a decline in immunity, ageing lungs and other health conditions such as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease, asthma and heart failure2,11. These factors increase the likelihood of complications that may lead to hospitalisations, ICU admissions and exacerbation of underlying chronic medical conditions – all of which add to the hospitalisation costs.
A study has shown that older adults aged 60 years and above who are hospitalised due to RSV reported a decline in physical function, with approximately a third of them demonstrating persistent decline at six months post discharge14. In another study, up to 25 per cent of older adults hospitalised due to RSV ended up requiring professional home care and 26 per cent had to be re-admitted to the hospital three months after being discharged15.
Thus, in addition to ensuring any chronic underlying medical conditions are optimally managed, preventive measures such as spotting the signs of RSV, good hygiene practices, taking steps for cleaner air, wearing of masks and RSV vaccinations can reduce the virus' impact on older adults10.
If you or a loved one is over 60, please speak with your doctor about RSV and its preventive measures, as well as your underlying medical issues, if any. Learn more about RSV here.
Footnotes:
1 Tseng HF;The Journal of Infectious Diseases;2020;222;1298-1310
2 Kaler J;Cureus;2023;15;1-17
3 CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) About RSV. Last Accessed: April 2025
4 Wee LE;Lancet Reg Health West Pac; 2025;55;1-12
5 Curran D;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;16;462-473
6 CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) Symptoms and Care. Last Assessed: April 2025
7 American Lung Association. RSV in Adults. Last Accessed: April 2025
8 WHO;Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV);2025;1-8. Last Accessed: April 2025
9 Kodama F;Infect Dis Clin North Am;2017;31;767-790
10 CDC. Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV) How RSV spreads. Last Accessed: April 2025
11 Branche AR;Drugs & aging;2015;32;261-9, (KC)
12 Ang LW;Influenza Other Respi Viruses;2020;14;412–419
13 IQVIA;2024;1-35;Economic Burden of RSV Infection Among Older Adults in Select APEC Countries
14 Branche AR;Influenza Other Respir Viruses;2022;1-10
15 Falsey AR;Open Forum Infect Dis;2021;8;1-11
This advertorial is meant for disease awareness and educational purposes only, and does not endorse, make reference to and/or recommend any product. Speak to your healthcare professional to learn more about treatment options and prevention methods. Information in this article is valid as of May 13, 2025.
If you are over 60 and have chronic conditions, speak to your doctor about respiratory syncytial virus and how to prevent it.
For reporting of adverse events, write to sg.drugsafety@gsk.com. This article references information from external websites rather than GSK being the original source of that content. ©2025 GSK group of companies or its licensor. NP-SG-RVU-ADVR-250001 April 2025
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