The True Story: A Winter Warning After 350,000 Cases

On 4 November 2026, Thailand's Department of Disease Control issued its winter health warning. From 1 January to 31 August 2026 there were 353,245 flu cases and 65 deaths.

The highest rate was in children aged 5–9 (1,964.19 per 100,000), followed by ages 0–4 and 10–14. The central region had the highest rate, and the department warned that cases had risen since July and usually climb again in winter, raising the risk of wide community outbreaks.

The Key Lesson: Young Children Are Hit Hardest Because They Are Close All Day

In kindergartens and childcare centres children play, eat and nap together all day. Points to watch are:

• Toys that go into mouths and around the room
• Nap mats and pillows placed side by side
• Lunch tables and cups that can get mixed up
• Rails, handles and taps small hands touch all day
• Closed air-conditioned classrooms with little airflow

How Flu Spreads

According to the World Health Organization, seasonal influenza spreads easily where people gather, such as schools and nursing homes. It spreads through droplets when people cough or sneeze, and through hands that touch contaminated surfaces and then the eyes, nose or mouth. Most people recover within a week, but young children, older adults, pregnant women and people with chronic illness are at risk of severe disease. Influenza is an enveloped virus, which suitable disinfectants can inactivate.

Risk Register for Kindergartens and Childcare Centres

1. Children with fever still attend: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: morning fever checks and parent pick-up. Owner: class teacher
2. Toys not cleaned daily: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wash and disinfect toys after school every day. Owner: teaching assistant
3. Nap mats placed close together: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: space mats, alternate head and foot, wash sheets weekly. Owner: class teacher
4. Shared touch points not wiped during the day: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe handles, rails and taps several times. Owner: school housekeeper
5. Classrooms closed all day: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ventilate at breaks and ozone-treat classrooms at weekends. Owner: school director

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Kindergartens

1. Check for fever every morning at the gate
2. Separate sick children and call parents
3. Teach handwashing before meals and after the toilet
4. Clean toys every day
5. Use personal cups each labelled
6. Ventilate during lunch break
7. Fog and ozone-treat classrooms at weekends or after cases

How ULV Disinfection Fogging Helps

The World Health Disinfection disinfection service uses ULV fogging machines that turn the disinfectant into a fine mist. It settles across the whole area, including corners, curtains, upholstery and surfaces that hand wiping cannot reach.

• Whole-area coverage without relying on wiping spot by spot
• Quick return to use, typically about 30 minutes after fogging
• Uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page
• The team wears full protective equipment, so owners and staff do not take the risk themselves
• Report and photos after the job for customers, management or authorities
• Tax invoice with 3% withholding tax for companies and agencies

Ozone Treatment for Closed Rooms and Stuffy Spaces

The World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service uses machines that generate ozone gas from oxygen in the air. It suits closed rooms such as meeting rooms, bedrooms, classrooms, sick bays and vans, helping reduce germs in the air and on surfaces and removing stale odours. Ozone breaks back down into oxygen after treatment, leaving no residue.

• Works alongside disinfection fogging: spray or wipe surfaces first, then use ozone for the air and corners of closed rooms
• No people or pets in the room during treatment: the team seals the room and runs a timer
• Ventilate after treatment before normal use resumes
• Machines tested by Intertek, according to WHD's service page
• Ideal after someone has been ill, such as recovered patients' rooms, shared bedrooms and shuttle vans

Before and After

Frequently Asked Questions

Q: How many flu cases has Thailand had in 2026? A: According to the DDC, 353,245 cases and 65 deaths from 1 January to 31 August 2026.

Q: Which age group is most affected? A: Children aged 5–9, at 1,964.19 per 100,000, followed by ages 0–4 and 10–14.

Q: Does the fogging disinfectant work on flu? A: The team uses Chemgene HLD4H, which meets EN 14476 for virucidal activity according to the product page, and influenza is an enveloped virus that suitable disinfectants can inactivate. Fogging does not replace vaccination or handwashing.

Q: Can I enter the room right after ozone treatment? A: No one should be in the room during treatment. Ventilate afterwards before normal use; the team will advise the right time for the room size.

Q: Can schools or childcare centres get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Related Links and Sources

• World Health Disinfection disinfection service
• World Health Disinfection ozone treatment service
• Chemgene HLD4H disinfectant and price
• Influenza information from Thailand's Department of Disease Control, hotline 1422
• WHO seasonal influenza fact sheet

Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment

The true story from the DDC shows young children face the highest risk this winter. Prepared schools reassure parents and avoid sudden class closures. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for classrooms, nap rooms and canteens, and the ozone treatment service for air-conditioned classrooms and school sick bays. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268