Impact of COVID-19 and RVI on Asthma, COPD, COVID-19 Pneumonia and Post-ICU Patient Outcomes, Care and Treatment, and Vaccine Effectiveness
5 November 2025
Main Applicant – Dr Russell Li Jingxian, Assistant Director, National Centre for Infectious Diseases (NCID), Tan Tock Seng Hospital (TTSH)
COVID-19, caused by the novel coronavirus SARS-CoV-2, resulted in a global pandemic and has significantly impacted healthcare system including the intensive care unit.
During the Circuit Breaker, non-essential healthcare services were deferred while essential healthcare services were scaled down to preserve critical resources. Patients with Asthma, COPD, COVID 19 Pneumonia and Post-ICU patients were considered as vulnerable populations to severe COVID-19 outcomes. However, the impact of COVID-19 on these groups remains to be elucidated.
Hence, this study aims to evaluate the impact of COVID-19 on these vulnerable groups by examining disease outcomes, care and the effectiveness of the COVID-19 vaccine as compared to the general population. In addition to COVID-19, we will investigate the susceptibility of these groups to Respiratory Viral Infections (RVIs), both pre and post COVID-19 and measures to mitigate the burden of RVIs on these groups.
The findings obtained will contribute to future public health strategies and policy development, leading to a more effective and targeted medical treatments for Asthma, COPD, COVID-19 Pneumonia and Post-ICU patients.