‘Viral Season’ and Asthma: What Parents Need to Know

Between the common cold, such as rhinovirus, and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV), the flu, and other viruses that can cause coughing, viral season can be especially challenging for kids with asthma.

“These kids are incredibly sensitive to viral triggers; they’re the ones who get hit hardest,” said Jodi Root, DNP, a pediatric pulmonary nurse practitioner who focuses on asthma.

We discussed how to help kids with asthma stay healthy year-round with Root and pediatric pulmonologist Rachna Wadia, MD.

Q: When is viral season?

A: Viral season is pretty much year-round, peaking fall through spring, especially for kids aged 4 and younger. Different viruses and different strains circulate throughout the entire year.

Q: What can I do to reduce the risk of my child getting sick this viral season?

A: Kids will get sick, but we’re trying to minimize how often they get sick. Handwashing is so important, and hand sanitizer will also work. Teaching kids not to put their fingers in their mouth and nose is helpful. Covering your cough or sneeze with your elbow is most effective in preventing spread of viruses.

It’s also important to eat a well-balanced diet with a variety of fruits and vegetables to get the minerals and vitamins your child’s immune system needs. Make sure to also drink plenty of water, as this helps one to stay hydrated and loosens mucus in the airways.

Q: Even with a stronger focus on prevention, kids are bound to get sick. What can parents do to reduce the chances that something like a common cold will land their child with asthma in the hospital?

A: First, it’s important that your child’s asthma is well controlled and that your child uses the right inhaler technique. It might be tempting to stop giving a child their inhaler because the child is healthy. But this child is healthy because the medicines are working, so they are still necessary.

Another concern we hear is about steroids in asthma medicines. Kids can’t get addicted to inhaled steroids. Inhaled steroids provide a much smaller dose, and it’s targeted to reduce the inflammation in the lungs, while steroids taken by mouth are a higher dose that affect the entire body.

That said, if your child is having trouble breathing, he or she might need oral steroids, and that’s OK. After the flare-up has been resolved, their maintenance regimen may need to be adjusted to reduce the risk of future exacerbations.

It is also important to have your vaccines up-to-date and get your annual flu shot in the fall. If you have not received a flu shot yet, now is the time to do it.

Q: If parents are concerned about their child’s asthma symptoms, especially if their child has a cold, flu, or other virus, what should they do?

A: The best option is to start with your child’s asthma action plan, which will take you step-by-step and guide you on when to escalate therapy. For example, you can increase the use of your child’s rescue inhaler if they’re coughing. If your child’s asthma is still not well controlled when following their action plan, make an appointment with your child’s provider.

With these tips, Root and Dr. Wadia hope children with asthma can stay healthier this winter and year-round.