What the 2025–2026 Respiratory Virus Season Means for People With Asthma

Season overview: Why this matters if you have asthma

If you live with asthma, respiratory virus season is not just about a bad cold. Viral infections are one of the most common triggers of asthma flare‑ups, and federal health officials classify people with asthma as being at higher risk for complications from influenza and COVID‑19.

The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) lists asthma among the conditions that increase the risk of flu complications. CDC also includes asthma as an underlying condition associated with higher risk of severe COVID‑19 outcomes, although risk varies by asthma severity, age, and other health problems.

Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) is a little different. Not everyone with asthma is at high risk from RSV, but older adults with chronic lung disease and some young children may face higher risk of severe RSV disease.

For the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season in the United States, the practical message is clear: prevention and planning matter more if you have asthma.

Why asthma raises risk: What happens in the airways

According to the National Heart, Lung, and Blood Institute (NHLBI), asthma is a chronic inflammatory disease of the airways. The breathing tubes become swollen and overly reactive. During a flare, the muscles around the airways tighten (bronchospasm), and extra mucus forms, narrowing airflow.

Respiratory viruses like influenza, SARS‑CoV‑2 (the virus that causes COVID‑19), and RSV increase airway inflammation. For someone with asthma, that extra inflammation can tip already sensitive airways into a full exacerbation. Even a mild viral infection can lead to wheezing, coughing, chest tightness, and shortness of breath.

This is why viral seasons often mean more urgent care visits, steroid bursts, and missed school or work for people with asthma.

Influenza: Asthma is a CDC high‑risk condition

The CDC specifically lists asthma as a condition that increases the risk of flu complications. People with asthma are more likely to develop pneumonia or require hospitalization if they get influenza.

Vaccination: Annual flu vaccination is recommended for everyone 6 months and older. For people with asthma, it is especially important to get vaccinated before flu activity rises in your community—typically in early fall, though vaccination later in the season can still help.

Timing and co‑administration: Flu shots can generally be given at the same visit as COVID‑19 and other routine vaccines, in different arms. This can reduce missed opportunities.

Antivirals: If you do get flu and have asthma, early treatment with antiviral medication (such as oseltamivir) can reduce complications. CDC guidance emphasizes that people at higher risk should contact a clinician promptly if flu symptoms develop.

COVID‑19: Ongoing risk, updated vaccines

CDC continues to identify asthma as an underlying condition associated with higher risk for severe COVID‑19. Risk is not the same for everyone. People with moderate to severe asthma, older adults, and those with additional conditions (such as obesity, heart disease, or diabetes) may face greater risk than younger people with mild, well‑controlled asthma.

Vaccination: COVID‑19 vaccines are updated periodically to match circulating strains. For the 2025–2026 season, most people are advised to receive the current seasonal COVID‑19 vaccine. Adults 65 and older and some immunocompromised individuals may be advised to receive additional doses, depending on CDC guidance.

Early treatment: If you test positive and are at higher risk, antiviral treatment such as nirmatrelvir‑ritonavir (Paxlovid) may reduce the risk of severe outcomes when started early. Treatment decisions should be made with a clinician.

As with influenza, vaccination does not prevent asthma itself. It reduces the chance of infection and lowers the risk of severe illness that could destabilize asthma control.

RSV: Who with asthma should pay attention

RSV can cause serious lower respiratory tract disease in older adults and in infants. According to CDC, adults 75 and older are recommended to receive a one‑time RSV vaccine. Adults ages 60–74 with certain risk factors, including chronic lung disease, may benefit based on shared decision‑making with a clinician.

For infants, protection may come from maternal RSV vaccination during pregnancy (given at 32–36 weeks in season) or from a long‑acting monoclonal antibody (nirsevimab) given directly to the baby. These tools are designed to reduce severe RSV disease in early life.

Not every child or adult with asthma is automatically high risk for severe RSV. Age, underlying severity, and other conditions matter. Talk with your clinician about whether RSV prevention applies to you or your family.

Practical planning for virus season

Vaccines are important, but they are only part of the picture. If you have asthma, consider these steps before and during virus season:

Update your asthma action plan. Make sure you know your green, yellow, and red zone steps. Review when to increase medications and when to call your clinician.
Check medications. Ensure your controller inhaler is up to date and not expired. Refill rescue inhalers early to avoid pharmacy shortages.
Review inhaler technique. Even small technique errors reduce medication delivery.
Coordinate with schools or workplaces. Provide updated action plans to school nurses or supervisors if needed. Make sure children can access rescue inhalers.
Plan for testing. Keep home COVID‑19 tests available and know where to access flu testing if symptoms start.

Good day‑to‑day asthma control reduces the risk that a viral infection will turn into a severe flare.

Insurance and access: What is typically covered

Under the Affordable Care Act, vaccines recommended by the Advisory Committee on Immunization Practices (ACIP) are generally covered without cost‑sharing by most private insurance plans when given in‑network. Medicare Part B covers influenza, COVID‑19, and pneumococcal vaccines, and Medicare Part D covers other ACIP‑recommended adult vaccines without cost‑sharing.

Medicaid coverage varies somewhat by state, but ACIP‑recommended vaccines are broadly covered. Pharmacies, primary care clinics, and public health departments are common access points.

Coverage rules can change, and network restrictions may apply. Checking with your insurer early in the season can prevent delays.

Warning signs: When to seek urgent care

Seek urgent or emergency care if you or your child experiences:

Severe shortness of breath or difficulty speaking full sentences
Lips or fingernails turning blue
Rescue inhaler not providing relief or relief lasting less than 2–3 hours
Peak flow below 50% of personal best (if you use one)
Confusion, extreme fatigue, or signs of low oxygen

For milder worsening symptoms, contact your clinician promptly. Early treatment can prevent hospitalization.

What remains uncertain

The exact timing and severity of each respiratory virus season vary year to year. COVID‑19 variants continue to evolve, and vaccine composition may change accordingly. Flu severity can shift based on circulating strains and population immunity.

Public health guidance is updated as new data emerge. Staying connected to CDC updates and maintaining a relationship with a primary care clinician or asthma specialist can help you adapt as needed.

What this means for people with asthma

If you have asthma, you are considered at higher risk for complications from influenza and COVID‑19, and some groups may face increased RSV risk. Staying up to date on recommended vaccines, keeping your asthma action plan current, and acting early when symptoms start are among the most effective ways to protect your lungs during the 2025–2026 respiratory virus season.

Preparation—not panic—is the goal.

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.