Asthma and COVID-19

Last updated: February 9, 2022

If you have moderate-to-severe or uncontrolled asthma, recovering from COVID-19 may be more challenging. That is why it is important for patients with asthma to maintain good control of their symptoms. Well-controlled asthma means you have very few, if any, symptoms of asthma, and you can perform daily activities without shortness of breath, chest tightness, coughing or wheezing.

Your physician or advanced practice provider can review your medical record to help you understand your personal risk. More information about asthma and COVID-19 is available from the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma & Immunology (AAAAI).

Here are answers to some common questions you may have. This information might change as we learn more about COVID-19. If you have other questions, talk with your physician.

Frequently Asked Questions

  • Am I more likely to get COVID-19 because I have asthma?
  • Should I keep taking medication to manage my asthma?
  • What can I do to stay healthy during the COVID-19 pandemic?
  • What should I do if I have asthma and symptoms of COVID-19?
  • If I have been exposed to someone who has COVID-19 but do not have symptoms, what should I do?

If you have asthma, you are not more likely to get COVID-19. However, recovering from COVID-19 may be more challenging if your asthma isn’t well-controlled.

People who have a history of asthma attacks are at particularly high risk for complications if they get COVID-19. The virus causes intense infection and inflammation in the body, which can place more stress on the lungs and lead to pneumonia and/or severe respiratory disease. The virus can also affect your nose, throat and lungs, as well as cause an asthma attack.

You should continue taking your asthma medication(s) exactly as prescribed by your physician or advanced practice provider. Following these instructions closely will ensure better control of your asthma symptoms.

If you have a question about your medications, please call your physician or advanced practice provider, or send your care team a question through the MyNM patient portal. You can access MyNM at mynm.nm.org or through the MyNM® app on a mobile device.

Do not make changes to your medication without talking to your care team first.

Everyone should follow the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) guidelines to help prevent COVID-19 exposure and infection. We urge you to:

  • Get vaccinated and boosted.
  • Wear a mask.
  • Physically distance.
  • Avoid crowds and poorly ventilated indoor spaces.
  • Test to prevent spread to others.
  • Wash your hands with soap and water, or with hand sanitizer.
  • Exercise.
  • Eat well.
  • Reduce stress.
  • Get plenty of sleep.

Keep at least a 30-day supply of your medications, including inhalers. If you need a refill, call your physician or advanced practice provider, or send a request through MyNM. While refilling your prescription, you can limit exposure to COVID-19 by using a mail-order service or drive-thru pharmacy. Or, have a caregiver pick up your medication.

If you have asthma, be sure to use your inhaler(s) correctly and avoid asthma attack triggers, such as strong emotions, stress, and strong-smelling cleaning agents or disinfectants.

If you have COVID-19 symptoms such as a fever, cough, sore throat or shortness of breath, you should be tested for COVID-19. Learn about your testing options in the COVID-19 Resource Center at nm.org/covid19.

The answer depends on many factors. Follow guidelines from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC).