The True Story: More Than One in Ten Patients Hospitalised

Dr Montien Kanasawat, Director-General of the Department of Disease Control, reported that from 1 January to 9 March 2026 there were 137,276 flu cases, 8 deaths and 15,041 hospitalisations (10.96%).

The provinces with the highest rates were Phayao, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani. Most who died were aged 60 or over, had underlying conditions, and had never received a flu vaccine.

The Key Lesson: Waiting Rooms Put the Sick and the Vulnerable Together

Outpatient departments in community and private hospitals see feverish patients alongside older people and those with chronic illness. Points to watch are:

• Waiting chairs where feverish patients sit beside older people
• Registration counters and queue kiosks everyone touches
• Trolleys and wheelchairs reused all day
• Closed exam rooms that change patients every few minutes
• Patient rooms after discharge prepared for the next admission

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 Outpatient Departments and Patient Rooms

1. Feverish patients wait among older people: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: screen at entry and separate respiratory waiting areas. Owner: OPD head nurse
2. Queue kiosks and counters not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe hourly at peak. Owner: housekeeper
3. Wheelchairs not wiped between users: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe handles and armrests after every use. Owner: porter
4. Patient rooms not disinfected before new admissions: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat rooms after discharge. Owner: ward head nurse
5. Staff not vaccinated: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: annual staff vaccination campaign. Owner: occupational health unit

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Hospitals

1. Screen for fever and cold symptoms at the entrance
2. Give masks to coughing patients
3. Separate waiting for respiratory patients
4. Wipe queue kiosks and counters hourly at peak
5. Wipe wheelchairs and trolleys after every use
6. Vaccinate staff and high-risk groups
7. Fog and ozone-treat patient rooms after discharge

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: Which Thai provinces had the most flu in early 2026? A: The DDC said Phayao, Lampang, Phitsanulok, Chiang Mai and Ubon Ratchathani had the highest rates.

Q: Who were most of those who died? A: Mostly people aged 60 or over with underlying conditions who had never received a flu vaccine.

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 hospitals or clinics 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 flu puts many people in hospital. Hospitals that manage waiting areas and patient rooms systematically protect vulnerable patients and staff alike. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for outpatient departments, waiting areas and corridors, and the ozone treatment service for patient rooms after discharge and closed exam rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268