{"id":1170,"date":"2022-08-08T01:39:45","date_gmt":"2022-08-08T05:39:45","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/?page_id=1170"},"modified":"2026-09-23T12:11:51","modified_gmt":"2026-09-23T16:11:51","slug":"respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma","status":"publish","type":"page","link":"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/","title":{"rendered":"Respiratory Infections"},"content":{"rendered":"<p>[et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Asthma T-Hero Section&#8221; module_class=&#8221;hero tert&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_image=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/07\/AAFA-Website_Tertiary_Asthma.jpg&#8221; background_position=&#8221;top_right&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;1%||1%||true|false&#8221; global_module=&#8221;2247&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; collapsed=&#8221;off&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_enable_image=&#8221;off&#8221; background_size=&#8221;initial&#8221; background_position=&#8221;bottom_left&#8221; background_horizontal_offset=&#8221;0%&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Nav Parent Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;tert-parent&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#FFFFFF&#8221; header_2_font_size=&#8221;32px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||0px||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Asthma<\/h2>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Breadcrumbs&#8221; module_class=&#8221;bcrumb&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;left&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;font-size:16px;||color: #fff;&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Main Content&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||2%||true|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_row column_structure=&#8221;2_3,1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;2_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221; Intro Content&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;24px&#8221; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h2>Respiratory Infections and Asthma<\/h2>\n<p>Respiratory infections (also called respiratory illnesses) are caused by viruses or bacteria that make you sick. These infections affect your lungs, nose, sinuses, and throat, especially when you have asthma. They can cause a runny nose, cough, fever, or sore throat.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; Intro&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Respiratory infections are a <a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/\">common asthma trigger<\/a>, especially in children. People with asthma have swelling, inflammation, and mucus in their airways. And when they get sick, it can be even harder for them to breathe.<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li><a title=\"COVID-19 - New Coronavirus\" href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/covid-19-new-coronavirus\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-udi=\"umb:\/\/document\/73b35a3e7cd74e5bba2925b984d28857\">COVID-19 (caused by the SARS-CoV-2 coronavirus)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Flu (Influenza)\" href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/flu-influenza\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-udi=\"umb:\/\/document\/18cebf48c7fd4decb6003c01cdb0a2e2\">Flu (caused by the influenza virus)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a title=\"Pneumococcal Disease\" href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/pneumococcal-disease\/\" rel=\"noopener\" data-udi=\"umb:\/\/document\/aa45c1cdd9f94588a9edddb289f21d8d\">Pneumonia (caused by bacteria, virus, or fungus)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv\/\">Respiratory syncytial virus (RSV)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/whooping-cough-pertussis\/\">Whooping cough (pertussis)<\/a><\/li>\n<li>Common cold (caused by more than 200 different viruses)<\/li>\n<li>Strep (caused by Streptococcus bacteria)<\/li>\n<li>Croup (caused by parainfluenza virus)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>You can have more than one respiratory infection at the same time.<\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; What Are the Symptoms of Respiratory Infections?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; hover_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; sticky_enabled=&#8221;0&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Are the Symptoms of Respiratory Infections?<\/h3>\n<p>Infections can cause a runny nose, fever, or sore throat. They can also cause symptoms, like coughing and shortness of breath, which overlap with <a href=\"\/asthma\/\">asthma<\/a>. Or sneezing, which also happens with seasonal allergies. Respiratory infections can also make someone\u2019s asthma worse.<\/p>\n<p>AAFA\u2019s respiratory illness symptom chart can help you learn what is similar and what is different between asthma, <a href=\"\/allergies\/allergy-symptoms\/rhinitis-nasal-allergy-hayfever\/\">seasonal allergies<\/a>, colds, COVID-19, flu, and RSV.<\/p>\n<p>\u200b<\/p>\n<table style=\"border-collapse: collapse; width: 100%;\" border=\"1\">\n<tbody>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone wp-image-33286 size-full\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies.png\" alt=\"\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1440\" srcset=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies.png 1080w, https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies-980x1307.png 980w, https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies-480x640.png 480w\" sizes=\"(min-width: 0px) and (max-width: 480px) 480px, (min-width: 481px) and (max-width: 980px) 980px, (min-width: 981px) 1080px, 100vw\" \/><\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\"><a title=\"enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias\" href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" src=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias.png\" alt=\"enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias\" width=\"1080\" height=\"1858\" \/><\/a><\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<tr>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><em><a title=\"respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies-2023.png\" href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2026\/08\/respiratory-illness-symptoms-chart-coronavirus-flu-cold-allergies.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Click to see larger image<\/a> (English)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<td style=\"width: 50%;\">\n<p style=\"text-align: center;\"><a title=\"enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias\" href=\"\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/enfermedad-respiratoria-sintomas-tabla-coronavirus-gripe-resfriado-alergias.png\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\"><em>Click to see larger image<\/em><\/a> <em>(Spanish)<\/em><\/p>\n<\/td>\n<\/tr>\n<\/tbody>\n<\/table>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; What Should I Do If I Have a Respiratory Infection?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>What Should I Do If I Have a Respiratory Illness?<\/h3>\n<p><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-treatment-action-plan\/\"><strong>Follow your Asthma Action Plan.<\/strong><\/a> If your Asthma Action Plan doesn\u2019t tell you what to do if you get sick, call your doctor to ask if you should change how you take your prescribed asthma medicine while you are sick. <strong><strong>Always keep your quick-relief asthma medicines with you to treat asthma symptoms.<\/strong><\/strong><\/p>\n<p><strong>Get tested<\/strong> <strong>if you have symptoms of the flu or COVID-19<\/strong>. You can go to your local pharmacy, care clinic, or urgent care. There are also at-home tests available for COVID-19 and the flu. If you have symptoms that are severe or affecting your breathing, contact your doctor right away even if you test negative.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Talk with your doctor about your symptoms.<\/strong> Ask if you can take over-the-counter medicines to reduce some of your symptoms. If you are sick with the flu or COVID-19, ask your doctor about antiviral treatment.<\/p>\n<p><strong>Get medical help right away (or call 911) if you have any of these danger signs:<\/strong><\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Asthma is getting worse quickly<\/li>\n<li>Asthma quick-relief medicines are not helping<\/li>\n<li>Chest tightness or pain<\/li>\n<li>Severe shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Breathing is faster or slower than normal<\/li>\n<li>Breathing may be hard or shallow<\/li>\n<li>Trouble walking or talking due to shortness of breath<\/li>\n<li>Chest retractions (skin sucks in between or around the neck, chest plate, and\/or rib bones when inhaling &#8211; this is rare in adults)<\/li>\n<li>Ribs or stomach moving in and out deeply and rapidly<\/li>\n<li>Expanded chest that does not deflate when you exhale<\/li>\n<li>Shoulders hunched over (\u201cposturing\u201d)<\/li>\n<li>Cyanosis, a tissue color change on mucus membranes (tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 the color appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>Infants, toddlers, and children may have different asthma emergency signs and symptoms than adults. Signs and symptoms of a severe asthma episode in infants, toddlers, and children include:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Infants with asthma who fail to respond or recognize parents<\/li>\n<li>Nasal flaring \u2013 nostrils open wide\/flare (may be rare in adults)<\/li>\n<li>Working harder to breathe (nasal flaring, skin is sucking in around and between ribs or above the sternum, or exaggerated belly movement or belly breathing)<\/li>\n<li>Cyanosis, a tissue color change on mucus membranes (tongue, lips, and around the eyes) and fingertips or nail beds \u2013 the color appears grayish or whitish on darker skin tones and bluish on lighter skin tones<\/li>\n<li>Infants with asthma in respiratory distress may have a bobbing head, grunting, a floppy body, or be irritable, agitated, cranky, and\/or lethargic (sluggish)<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; How Can I Prevent Respiratory Illness? Title&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<h3>How Can I Prevent Respiratory Illness?<\/h3>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Vaccine page callout&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; link_font=&#8221;||||on|||#008c99|&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; link_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#f5eddf&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><span data-teams=\"true\">For more information about vaccine recommendations for individuals and families with asthma and allergies, visit: <a href=\"\/asthma-prevention\/vaccine-recommendations\/\">aafa.org\/vaccine<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Page Content &#8211; How Can I Prevent Respiratory Illness?&#8221; module_class=&#8221;secondary-intro&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_line_height=&#8221;1.5em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p>Infections like the flu are a major cause of asthma episodes or attacks. And according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC), people with asthma are at higher risk for developing serious complications (like pneumonia) from the flu. Follow these steps to protect yourself and your loved ones from respiratory illnesses:<\/p>\n<ul>\n<li>Wash your hands often with soap and warm water for 20 seconds, especially after touching frequently used surfaces like doorknobs.<\/li>\n<li>Avoid touching your eyes, nose, or mouth.<\/li>\n<li>Get a yearly flu vaccine.<\/li>\n<li>Get the updated COVID-19 vaccine. These vaccines are now yearly just like the flu.<\/li>\n<li>Talk with your doctor about getting the pneumococcal [noo-muh-KOK-uhl] vaccine. You should only need the shot once and a booster as needed.<\/li>\n<li>Stay away from people who are sick. If you have symptoms, stay home.<\/li>\n<li>Keep your breathing equipment clean. This includes your asthma inhaler, spacer or valved holding chamber, nebulizer and nebulizer tubing, and mouthpiece.<\/li>\n<li>Do not share your breathing equipment or medicines with others.<\/li>\n<li>Consider wearing a face mask when in large crowds or in public.<\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>It\u2019s important to always keep your asthma under control. If your asthma is well-controlled when you get sick, you reduce your chances of having an asthma attack, having complications, or staying in the hospital.<\/p>\n<p><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"aligncenter wp-image-3172\" src=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/08\/stop-the-spread-of-respiratory-infections-tips-SM-1024x1024.png\" alt=\"Steps to stop the spread of respiratory infections\" width=\"600\" height=\"600\" \/><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Definition callout&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; link_font=&#8221;||||on|||#008c99|&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; link_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; header_2_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_2_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_2_font_size=&#8221;39px&#8221; header_3_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_3_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_3_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; header_3_font_size=&#8221;28px&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#f5eddf&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;4%|4%|4%|4%|true|true&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset2&#8243; global_module=&#8221;10426&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><strong>Learn More About Your Asthma Medicines<\/strong><\/p>\n<p>Use our asthma medicine search tool to look up information on specific medicines, prescribing information, and possible side effects<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-treatment\/asthma-medicines\/\">Asthma Medicines Search<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;Medical Review&#8221; module_class=&#8221;med-rev&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#505050&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_5_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; header_5_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_5_text_color=&#8221;#008c99&#8243; custom_margin=&#8221;||3%||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<\/p>\n<p><small><a title=\"Medical Science Council\" href=\"\/about-aafa\/leadership\/medical-science-council\/\" rel=\"noopener\"><br \/>Medical Review<\/a>: January 2024 by Mitchell Grayson, MD<\/small><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_code admin_label=&#8221;Print&#8221; module_id=&#8221;print&#8221; module_class=&#8221;clearfix&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.6&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_module=&#8221;5156&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;]<a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/print\/\" rel=\"nofollow\" title=\"Print post\"><svg class=\"WP-PrintIcon wp-print-icon\" width=\"16\" height=\"16\" viewbox=\"0 0 20 20\" fill=\"currentColor\" aria-hidden=\"true\" focusable=\"false\"><path d=\"M6 2h8v4H6z\" \/><path d=\"M3 7h14v7h-3v-3H6v3H3z\" \/><path d=\"M6 12h8v6H6z\" \/><\/svg> Print post<\/a> [\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][et_pb_column type=&#8221;1_3&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.17.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6%||||false|false&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text ul_type=&#8221;none&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Side Nav &#8211; Respiratory Infections&#8221; module_class=&#8221;sidenav&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.27.4&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; text_font_size=&#8221;14px&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; link_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; ul_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; ul_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; ul_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; header_4_font=&#8221;|700|||||||&#8221; header_4_text_align=&#8221;left&#8221; header_4_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; header_4_font_size=&#8221;16px&#8221; header_4_line_height=&#8221;1.7em&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F5EDDF&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;6%|6%|6%|6%|true|true&#8221; custom_css_free_form=&#8221;selector {||  display: none !important;||}&#8221; border_color_top=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_module=&#8221;16119&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<h4><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/\">Respiratory Infections<\/a><\/h4>\n<ul>\n<li><a href=\"https:\/\/aafa.org\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/covid-19-new-coronavirus\/\">COVID-19 (Coronavirus)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/flu-influenza\/\">Flu (Influenza)<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/pneumonia\/\">Pneumonia<\/a><\/li>\n<li><a href=\"\/asthma\/asthma-triggers-causes\/respiratory-infections-flu-cold-asthma\/respiratory-syncytial-virus-rsv\/\">Respiratory Syncytial Virus Infection (RSV)<\/a><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/tANy4LWJ8tc&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Resp Inf PSA fall 2023&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.22.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_video src=&#8221;https:\/\/youtu.be\/nga-6xgbpA4&#8243; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Tripledemic YouTube Video&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.20.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_module=&#8221;15026&#8243; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_video][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/11\/asthma-and-flu-prevention-handout-web-lg.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Handout on steps asthma patients need to take to avoid flu&#8221; title_text=&#8221;asthma-and-flu-prevention-handout-web-lg&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/asthma-and-flu-prevention.pdf&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Flu Handout Image&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.24.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||1%||false|false&#8221; border_radii=&#8221;on|1px|1px|1px|1px&#8221; border_color_all=&#8221;#afafaf&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset3&#8243; global_module=&#8221;17837&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/asthma-and-flu-prevention.pdf&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; button_text=&#8221;Download Handout&#8221; button_alignment=&#8221;center&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;off|off|off&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Flu Handout Button&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.23.2&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_button=&#8221;on&#8221; button_bg_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; button_font=&#8221;|600|||||||&#8221; button_use_icon=&#8221;off&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;6%||||false|false&#8221; custom_css_main_element=&#8221;width:100%;&#8221; global_module=&#8221;12630&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_button][et_pb_image src=&#8221;https:\/\/aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2023\/02\/pneumococcal-vaccine-handout-web-lg.png&#8221; alt=&#8221;Handout on steps asthma patients need to take to avoid pneumococcal disease&#8221; title_text=&#8221;pneumococcal-vaccine-handout-web-lg&#8221; url=&#8221;https:\/\/secure.aafa.org\/np\/clients\/aafa\/product.jsp?product=103&#038;&#8221; url_new_window=&#8221;on&#8221; align=&#8221;center&#8221; force_fullwidth=&#8221;on&#8221; disabled_on=&#8221;on|on|on&#8221; admin_label=&#8221;Asthma &#038; Pneumococcal Disease Handout&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.19.5&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||1%||false|false&#8221; box_shadow_style=&#8221;preset1&#8243; disabled=&#8221;on&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][\/et_pb_image][et_pb_button button_url=&#8221;https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/wp-content\/uploads\/2022\/10\/asthma-and-pneumococcal-disease-pneumonia-prevention.pdf&#8221; 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global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; raw_content__hover_enabled=&#8221;off|desktop&#8221;]<\/p>\n<div class=\"joinform\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t<\/p>\n<h3 style=\"text-align:center; color: white;\">Join Our Online Support Community<\/h3>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t<\/p>\n<form method=\"get\" action=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/join\" id=\"Join\" name=\"AAFAJoin\"><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee>Email:<input type=\"text\" name=\"email\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"40\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee>Display Name: <input type=\"text\" name=\"displayName\" value=\"\" maxlength=\"40\" style=\"width:100%\"><\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee style=\"text-align:center; color: white;\"><input type=\"submit\" value=\"Join Now\"><\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->    <\/form>\n<p><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t\tAAFA is dedicated to improving the quality of life for people with asthma and allergic diseases. Our community is here for you 24\/7. You can connect with others who understand what it is like to live with asthma and allergies. You&#8217;re not alone.<!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->\t\t\t<\/pee><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] -->      <!-- <pee style=\"display:block; text-align:center \"><img decoding=\"async\" src=\"https:\/\/www.aafa.org\/media\/1003\/aafa-mobile.png\" loading=\"lazy\" \/><\/pee>\t--><!-- [et_pb_line_break_holder] --><\/div>\n<p>[\/et_pb_code][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section][et_pb_section fb_built=&#8221;1&#8243; admin_label=&#8221;Blog Feed Section &#8211; Asthma Triggers&#8221; module_class=&#8221;int-blog-ftr&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; background_color=&#8221;#F5EDDF&#8221; custom_margin=&#8221;||||false|false&#8221; custom_padding=&#8221;2%||2%||false|false&#8221; top_divider_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; top_divider_flip=&#8221;horizontal&#8221; bottom_divider_color=&#8221;#28BDBA&#8221; bottom_divider_height=&#8221;50px&#8221; bottom_divider_arrangement=&#8221;above_content&#8221; global_module=&#8221;18181&#8243; saved_tabs=&#8221;all&#8221; 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global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_column type=&#8221;4_4&#8243; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221;][et_pb_text admin_label=&#8221;View More Link&#8221; _builder_version=&#8221;4.18.0&#8243; _module_preset=&#8221;default&#8221; text_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font=&#8221;|600||on|||||&#8221; link_text_align=&#8221;right&#8221; link_text_color=&#8221;#008C99&#8243; link_font_size=&#8221;18px&#8221; text_orientation=&#8221;right&#8221; global_colors_info=&#8221;{}&#8221; link_text_color__hover_enabled=&#8221;on|hover&#8221; link_text_color__hover=&#8221;#692D87&#8243;]<\/p>\n<p><a href=\"https:\/\/community.aafa.org\/blog\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">View more blog articles &gt;<\/a><\/p>\n<p>[\/et_pb_text][\/et_pb_column][\/et_pb_row][\/et_pb_section]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>AsthmaRespiratory Infections and Asthma Respiratory infections (also called respiratory illnesses) are caused by viruses or bacteria that make you sick. These infections affect your lungs, nose, sinuses, and throat, especially [&hellip;]<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":14,"featured_media":0,"parent":47,"menu_order":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","template":"","meta":{"_acf_changed":false,"_et_pb_use_builder":"on","_et_pb_old_content":"","_et_gb_content_width":"","footnotes":"","_links_to":"","_links_to_target":""},"class_list":["post-1170","page","type-page","status-publish","hentry"],"acf":[],"yoast_head":"<!-- This site is optimized with the Yoast SEO Premium plugin v28.5 (Yoast SEO v28.5) - https:\/\/yoast.com\/product\/yoast-seo-premium-wordpress\/ -->\n<title>Respiratory Infections Trigger Asthma | AAFA.org<\/title>\n<meta name=\"description\" content=\"Respiratory infections (COVID-19, flu, RSV, and colds) can make asthma worse.\" \/>\n<meta name=\"robots\" content=\"index, follow, max-snippet:-1, max-image-preview:large, max-video-preview:-1\" \/>\n<link rel=\"canonical\" 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