The True Story: Higher Than Usual for This Time of Year

The US Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) FluView report for week 43, ending 31 October 2026, said flu was increasing in many areas and higher than typically seen at this time of year. Test positivity rose to 9.1%, and there were 8,396 lab-confirmed flu hospitalisations in a single week.

CDC estimated the season had caused at least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalisations and 1,400 deaths. A(H1N1)pdm09 made up 97.7% of subtyped influenza A viruses, and three children had died.

The Key Lesson: The Virus Travels with Passengers

Suvarnabhumi, Don Mueang and regional airports receive passengers from countries in outbreak every day. Points to watch are:

• Airline lounges where passengers wait for hours
• Security trays handled by thousands daily
• Self check-in kiosks with screens tapped in turn
• Luggage trolleys and escalator rails everyone holds
• Restrooms and prayer rooms in heavy use

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 Airports and Airline Lounges

1. Kiosks and security trays not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe screens and trays on a schedule at peak. Owner: ground operator
2. Lounges not disinfected during the day: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe tables and armrests on a schedule and fog at quiet times. Owner: lounge manager
3. Sick passengers wait among others: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: provide a separate rest corner and masks. Owner: passenger services
4. Trolley handles not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe trolley handles on a schedule. Owner: facilities team
5. Closed staff rest rooms: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ozone-treat staff rooms on a schedule. Owner: HR

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Airports and Lounges

1. Wipe kiosks and security trays on a schedule at peak
2. Install hand sanitiser at every checkpoint
3. Give masks to coughing passengers
4. Wipe lounge tables, armrests and buffets on a schedule
5. Wipe trolley handles and escalator rails
6. Encourage vaccination for front-line staff
7. Fog lounges and ozone-treat staff rooms at quiet times

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 bad is US flu in 2026? A: CDC estimated at least 1.7 million illnesses, 25,000 hospitalisations and 1,400 deaths by week 43, with preliminary severity rated low but subject to change.

Q: Which strain is spreading in the US? A: A(H1N1)pdm09, 97.7% of subtyped influenza A, mostly subclade D.3.1.1.

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 airport businesses 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 CDC shows flu abroad can reach Thailand with passengers. Airports and lounges that care for touch points protect passengers and staff alike. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for lounges, check-in areas and departure gates, and the ozone treatment service for staff rest rooms and airport meeting rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268