Chest infections, illness and asthma

Hi I'm in my early twenties and I've had asthma since I was a child. For most of the year my asthma is (hopefully not to tempt fate) controlled and I take a reliever a couple of times a week at most.

Whenever I get a bug (a cold, flu or anything that could go to your chest) my asthma deteriorates significantly and I tend to get a chest infection. I've had at least two or three chest infections a year since my late teens and they're treated with antibiotics (although I'm very reluctant to have them unless it's absolutely necessary.)

Does anyone else experience this? And is there anything you can do to prevent chest infections or your asthma worsening when you've got a cold/flu? I've been offered steroid pills in the past but I'm reluctant to take them...?

Hope you're all well