Understanding the risk factors associated with recurrent or persistent wheezing, but also with the development, progression and worsening of asthma, is important in a targeted asthma prevention strategy and the development of guidelines for the monitoring of at-risk patients. Although numerous viruses have been associated with recurrent wheezing in infants and pre-schoolers, most data seem to suggest that rhinoviruses (RV) and respiratory syncytial virus (RSV) play the most important role. Viral infections in infancy, especially with RV or RSV are important risk factors not only for wheezing, but also for the development of asthma and asthma exacerbations in children. RV infection is a recognized risk factor for the development of atopic asthma, probably through a mechanism related with allergic sensitization, while RSV infection is a risk factor for the development of nonatopic asthma, probably through a different mechanism than RV. The role and activation of neutrophils and dendritic cells during viral infections has an important role in redirecting the immune response towards the dominance of Th2 lymphocytes. Differences in the development of atopic and non-atopic asthma were found, in the development of which respiratory viruses play a significant role. Understanding the complex pathomechanisms of the connection between viral infections and the development and exacerbation of asthma is important for the development of asthma prevention strategies and targeted asthma therapy.