What is RSV?

RSV in Older Adults: 
A Growing Health and Economic Burden 
in Asia-Pacific 

Respiratory Syncytial Virus, more commonly known as RSV, is a common respiratory virus that can cause symptoms ranging from mild cold-like illness to severe lung infections, such as pneumonia and bronchiolitis. While children are frequently affected, RSV also poses serious risks for adults, especially those aged 60 and older or with underlying health conditions like heart disease or chronic lung problems. For older adults, RSV can lead to high rates of hospitalization, longer recovery times, and a greater chance of intensive care or death compared to younger populations. ^{1, 2, 3}

RSV poses a serious health threat to older adults in the Asia Pacific (APAC) region, where populations are rapidly aging and chronic lung and heart conditions are common. Immune decline with age increases vulnerability, leading to severe lower respiratory tract infections, hospitalizations, and complications, especially among those with conditions like chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), asthma, or heart failure. In high-income APAC countries, RSV is estimated to cause around 778,000 hospitalizations and 33,000 in-hospital deaths annually among adults aged 60 years or older.⁴

The spread of RSV doesn’t just threaten individuals - it can impact whole families, particularly in households with frequent contact between generations. When grandparents, parents, and children interact closely, the virus can move easily between age groups, putting vulnerable older adults at higher risk of serious illness and increasing stress for caregivers and family members. Addressing RSV is important not only for protecting seniors but also for safeguarding the health and well-being of entire families and communities across the region.^{5, 6}

Beyond individual health, RSV imposes a substantial economic burden on healthcare systems in APAC. In 2023 alone, hospitalization costs reached USD 2.8 billion, with per-patient expenses ranging from USD 2,735 in New Zealand to over USD 12,000 in Canada and Singapore annually. Older adults in long-term care are especially at risk, contributing to higher resource use including prolonged hospital stays and intensive care. Given the high rates of hospitalization, ICU admissions, and exacerbation of underlying conditions, strategic prevention - such as vaccination and improved disease surveillance - is essential to support healthy aging and reduce strain on both families and national health economies across the APAC region. ^{7, 8, 9, 10}