No one is immune to COVID-19, including individuals who are fully vaccinated and boosted. However, studies show that those who are vaccinated are significantly less likely to become seriously ill from the virus or transmit it to others.
Since there’s no immunity to COVID-19, many people wonder if they are more vulnerable than others. This includes asthma sufferers. Both COVID-19 and asthma affect the respiratory system, but the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) notes that research published in the Journal of Allergy and Clinical Immunology (JACI), and the journal Chest, have shown that having asthma does not put individuals at a greater risk of either getting COVID-19 or experiencing severe COVID-19. A separate study published in JACI found that people with well-controlled asthma have less severe COVID-19 outcomes than those with uncontrolled asthma.
These studies are good news for people who have asthma and who also understand the importance of keeping it under control. One way to do that is to continue to take common medicines for asthma, which the AAFA notes do not increase the risk of getting COVID-19. These include quick-relief medicines such as albuterol; controller medicines, including inhaled corticosteroid medications; oral corticosteroids such as prednisone; biologics; allergy medicines including antihistamines; proton pump inhibitors for acid reflux; nasal allergy sprays; and allergy shots.
Taking these medicines as prescribed helps individuals control their asthma, which in turn reduces their risk for severe outcomes should they test positive for COVID-19. That appears to be the lone link between asthma and COVID-19, though asthma patients are urged to open a dialogue with their physicians if they want to learn more.
