Asthma and the 2025–2026 Respiratory Virus Season: What Updated CDC Guidance Means for You

Bottom line: If you or your child has asthma—especially moderate to severe asthma—the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season carries higher stakes. According to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with asthma are at increased risk of complications from influenza and COVID-19. Vaccination, staying on controller medications, and acting early when symptoms worsen can significantly reduce the risk of hospitalization.

Why respiratory virus season is higher stakes with asthma

Asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. When a respiratory virus such as influenza, COVID-19, or RSV infects the lungs, it can trigger swelling, mucus production, and airway tightening. For someone with asthma, that combination can quickly lead to wheezing, shortness of breath, and in some cases, emergency care.

The CDC’s asthma guidance explains that viral respiratory infections are one of the most common triggers of asthma attacks. That is why fall and winter—when respiratory viruses surge—are often the busiest seasons for asthma-related doctor visits and hospitalizations.

Who is considered higher risk?

Influenza (flu)

The CDC specifically lists people with asthma as being at higher risk for serious flu complications. This includes children and adults with asthma, and the risk is greater in those with moderate to severe disease.

Flu can cause pneumonia and severe asthma flare-ups, even in people whose asthma is usually well controlled. Because of this, CDC strongly recommends annual influenza vaccination for people with asthma.

COVID-19

CDC classifies people with moderate to severe asthma as more likely to get very sick from COVID-19. Mild, well-controlled asthma may carry less risk, but it does not eliminate it. Risk increases with age and with additional conditions such as obesity, heart disease, or diabetes.

Vaccination remains the main strategy to reduce the risk of hospitalization and severe disease. Vaccines do not eliminate infection risk, but they significantly lower the chance of serious outcomes.

RSV (Respiratory Syncytial Virus)

RSV risk is more nuanced. According to CDC’s RSV high-risk guidance, the highest risk groups include:

Infants, especially those under 6 months
Premature infants
Older adults (especially 75 and older)
Adults with chronic lung disease

Chronic lung diseases include asthma, but RSV severe disease risk is most clearly elevated in infants and older adults. Otherwise healthy school-age children with mild asthma are not automatically in the highest-risk RSV category in the same way infants are. Risk varies based on age and severity.

Flu vaccine 2025–2026: What to know

The CDC’s 2025–2026 immunization schedules recommend influenza vaccination for everyone 6 months and older, with rare exceptions.

For people with asthma, flu vaccination is especially important. Children 6 months through 8 years who are getting flu vaccine for the first time may need two doses, spaced at least four weeks apart. Adults 65 and older are generally advised to receive a higher-dose or adjuvanted flu vaccine for stronger immune response.

Timing matters. Vaccination is typically recommended in early fall, but getting vaccinated later still offers protection if flu is circulating.

COVID-19 vaccine recommendations

The CDC’s current adult and child immunization schedules include updated seasonal COVID-19 vaccines.

Key points for 2025–2026:

Everyone 6 months and older is eligible for COVID-19 vaccination.
Adults 65 and older and people who are immunocompromised may be advised to receive additional doses.
People with moderate to severe asthma are considered at higher risk for complications and should stay up to date.

Most people can receive flu and COVID-19 vaccines at the same visit. Some may choose to space them out for comfort, but co-administration is considered safe.

RSV prevention: Different tools for different ages

During pregnancy

CDC recommends RSV vaccination during weeks 32–36 of pregnancy during RSV season to protect newborns through transferred antibodies.

Infants

Infants may receive nirsevimab, a long-acting monoclonal antibody, during their first RSV season if maternal vaccination was not given or if they remain eligible under current guidance.

Older adults

Adults 75 and older, and adults 60–74 with certain risk factors (including chronic lung disease), may receive a one-time RSV vaccine based on CDC recommendations and shared decision-making with a clinician.

Asthma alone does not automatically place every adult into the highest RSV risk tier, but chronic lung disease is part of the risk assessment.

If you get sick: Managing asthma during a viral infection

If you or your child with asthma develops flu, COVID-19, RSV, or another respiratory virus:

Continue prescribed controller medications, including inhaled corticosteroids, unless your clinician advises otherwise.
Follow your written asthma action plan.
Use rescue inhalers as directed.
Monitor for worsening symptoms.

Stopping controller medication during illness can increase the risk of severe flare-ups. There is no recommendation from CDC to routinely stop inhaled corticosteroids during viral infection.

Red-flag symptoms requiring urgent care

Severe shortness of breath
Trouble speaking full sentences
Blue lips or fingernails
Reliever inhaler not helping after repeated use
Signs of dehydration or extreme fatigue in children

Seek emergency care if breathing becomes labored or symptoms escalate quickly.

Access and cost: What insurance coverage means

Under the Affordable Care Act, most private insurance plans must cover vaccines recommended by the CDC’s Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) without cost-sharing when given by in-network providers.

Medicare covers influenza, COVID-19, and pneumococcal vaccines under Part B, and RSV vaccination is covered under Medicare Part D. Medicaid coverage varies slightly by state but generally includes ACIP-recommended vaccines.

For uninsured families, local health departments and community clinics often provide low-cost or no-cost vaccination options.

Practical prevention steps for families, schools, and workplaces

Stay up to date on flu and COVID-19 vaccines.
Consider RSV prevention strategies if eligible.
Encourage hand hygiene and respiratory etiquette.
Improve ventilation at home and in classrooms.
Stay home when sick.
Wear a well-fitting mask during high transmission periods if at higher risk.

Schools and employers can help by supporting sick leave policies and improving indoor air quality.

What this means for families living with asthma

If you or your child has asthma, especially moderate to severe asthma, you are considered at higher risk for complications from influenza and COVID-19. RSV risk depends more heavily on age, with infants and older adults at highest risk.

The most important steps this season are straightforward: stay up to date on recommended vaccines, keep taking prescribed asthma medications, use your action plan early in illness, and seek urgent care if breathing symptoms become severe.

CDC recommendations can evolve during the season. Checking in with your clinician or pharmacist each fall helps ensure your family’s protection reflects the latest guidance.

Sources

This article is for general informational purposes only and is not medical advice. Research findings can be early, limited, or subject to change as new evidence emerges. For personal guidance, diagnosis, or treatment, consult a licensed clinician. For current outbreak or public health guidance, follow your local health department, the CDC, or another relevant public health authority.