Washington, DC, Aug. 20, 2026 (GLOBE NEWSWIRE) -- As students head back to school this year, a nationwide surge in COVID-19 cases prepares to greet them. This news comes just ahead of an increase in asthma-related emergency department (ED) visits, especially among kids. The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America's (AAFA) analysis of data from 2021-2025 indicates pediatric asthma ED visits hit a peak in September and October. The overall incidence of ED visits for all people with asthma (children and adults) surge, alongside respiratory infection outbreaks throughout the respiratory season.
“For the nearly 28 million people in the U.S. with asthma, including 5 million children, the time to get ready for Asthma Peak Season is now,” said Kenneth Mendez, president and CEO of the Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA). “Between 9-11 people die each day from asthma, and asthma symptoms lead to missed days of school and work, emergency visits, and hospitalizations. We urge people with asthma to take action now to ensure they are best prepared for the challenging season ahead. Effective preparation includes up-to-date vaccinations, seeing your doctor to review your Asthma Action Plan, having a good supply of asthma medicines and taking those medicines as prescribed."
AAFA’s data analysis of ED visits for asthma from 2021-2025 shows that asthma ED visits often begin to increase around September (shown as yellow segments in the chart below) but continue to rise well into the winter. The fewest asthma emergencies happen during the summer months.
As children return to school, they are exposed to communicable respiratory diseases such as colds, flu, RSV, and COVID-19. Many school buildings are in poor condition and have poor indoor air quality and even mold — known asthma triggers. Additionally, weed pollen and outdoor mold counts are typically high in September. All of these conditions contribute to the start of the Asthma Peak Season.
Comparisons between ED visits for asthma and flu in 2025 show the months with the most asthma ED visits (January, February, March, and December) are also the months with the most flu ED visits.
“Recent policy changes at the federal level mean some people may lose Medicaid coverage, fewer people can afford health plans on the ACA exchange, and vaccine recommendation changes may delay or prevent people from getting vaccinated,” said Melanie Carver, chief mission officer at AAFA. “These changes block people with chronic conditions like asthma from getting the treatment they need. Preventive care is the more affordable care, so policymakers should support affordable health care, pandemic prevention, and vaccine access to reduce societal costs.”
AAFA will release its 2026 Asthma Capitals® report on September 1. The report ranks the most challenging places in the U.S. to live with asthma based on asthma prevalence, asthma-related ED visits, and asthma mortality rates. The report will include data on the link between respiratory infections and asthma emergency care. It will also include suggestions for policymakers on improving asthma management and care. To request an embargoed copy of the rankings and/or an advance copy of the full report, email media@aafa.org.
Resources:
For more information about Asthma Peak Season, visit: https://aafa.org/asthmapeak
To download a sample Asthma Action Plan, visit: https://aafa.org/actionplan
To review AAFA’s vaccination recommendations for people with asthma, visit: aafa.org/vaccine
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Press Contact:
Andy Spears
Senior Public Relations Manager
Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA)
media@aafa.org
About AAFA
Founded in 1953, AAFA is the oldest and largest non-profit patient organization dedicated to saving lives and improving the quality of life for people affected by asthma and allergic diseases through support, advocacy, education, and research. AAFA offers extensive support for individuals and families affected by asthma and allergic diseases, such as food allergies and atopic dermatitis (eczema). Through its online patient support communities, network of regional chapters, and collaborations with community-based groups, AAFA empowers patients and their families by providing practical, evidence-based information and community programs and services. AAFA is the first asthma and allergy patient advocacy group certified to meet the standards of excellence set by the National Health Council. For more information, visit: aafa.org and kidswithfoodallergies.org
Steps people can take to manage and control asthma in September and beyond:
- Schedule an appointment with your doctor or asthma specialist to discuss your current symptoms, medicines, and triggers. Talk with your doctor about your Asthma Action Plan.
- Take your asthma and allergy medicines as prescribed. Make sure you have enough on hand and get your refills done on time. If you start to have asthma symptoms, follow your Asthma Action Plan. If you use a press-and-breathe, known as metered dose inhaler, use a valved chamber or spacer device with the inhaler to help the medicine get into the lungs.
- Get your vaccines. They take about 2 weeks to take effect in your body, so get them as soon as they are available. You need a new flu vaccine and new COVID-19 vaccine every year. You may also be eligible for the RSV vaccine. Talk with your doctor about these and other vaccines you need.
- Wash hands often and avoid touching your eyes, mouth, and nose during cold and flu season. Stay away from people who are sick as much as possible.
- Wear a mask. When respiratory illnesses are spreading, wear a good-fitting N95 mask in crowded indoor spaces. Also wear N95 masks if wildfire smoke is in your area or if you are cleaning up after a natural disaster or flood. Masks can also help if you have pollen or mold allergies.
- Improve your indoor air ventilation and filtration. Replace the air filters on your HVAC system as recommended. Use portable air cleaners in bedrooms. Use exhaust fans to vent humid air out of your living spaces.
- If you are allergic to ragweed or mold, try to limit your exposure to these allergens.
- Take care of your health. Adequate sleep and water, a healthy diet, and exercise are important to reduce stress.
Attachments
Andy Spears Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America 2029741223 media@aafa.org