Children With OSA Face Higher Influenza, COVID-19 Risk - Takeaways - MDSpire

Children With OSA Face Higher Influenza, COVID-19 Risk

Real-world analysis finds higher risk of influenza and COVID-19 diagnoses over five years, with no evidence of reduced risk after adenotonsillectomy

  • By

  • Alun Evans

  • February 27, 2026

  • 4 min

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  • 1

    Children with obstructive sleep apnea (OSA) face a significantly higher risk of influenza and COVID-19 compared to peers without OSA.

  • 2

    Over five years, children with OSA had a 1.80 risk ratio for influenza and a 2.50 risk ratio for COVID-19 diagnoses.

  • 3

    Adenotonsillectomy did not reduce the five-year risk of influenza or COVID-19 in children with OSA.

  • 4

    Persistent immune dysregulation in pediatric OSA may contribute to increased susceptibility to viral infections.

  • 5

    Clinicians should prioritize seasonal influenza vaccination and COVID-19 immunization for children diagnosed with OSA.

Original Source(s)

Children With OSA Face Higher Influenza, COVID-19 Risk

  • by Alun Evans

  • February 27, 2026

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