Abstract:

Viral respiratory infections are recognized risk factors for the loss of control of allergic childhood asthma and exacerbations. Children with severe asthma are more susceptible to viruses and are more likely to induce acute exacerbations after infection. During the immune response to the virus, innate immunity is activated, resulting in the production of large amounts of interferon, which is essential for the antiviral response. Children with severe asthma aren’t at increased risk of SARS-CoV-2 infection or disease progression when treated with biologics compared to the non-asthmatic population. Omalizumab has been shown to enhance the body's antiviral immune response and to reduce the acute attack rate of virus-induced seasonal asthma in children with asthma. This review focuses on the safety of biologics used in children with asthma during COVID-19 and their effects on respiratory viruses.

Key words: childhood asthma, respiratory virus, SARS-CoV-2, biologics, monoclonal antibody