The True Story: Flu Season Began in Late Summer

On 28 August 2026, Japan's health ministry declared that the country had entered flu season, the second-earliest start since 1999. About 3,000 monitored medical institutions reported an average of 1.11 patients each, above the season threshold of 1.0.

Okinawa had the most cases, at 4.43 per institution, followed by Iwate and Aomori. The ministry urged handwashing, mask-wearing and vaccination.

The Key Lesson: Travellers Share Closed Buses All Day

Japan tours put Thai travellers on planes, buses and in hotels together for days. Points to watch are:

• Tour buses shared for hours each day
• Guides' microphones passed around
• Buffet restaurants with shared serving spoons
• Travellers who fall ill on the way but do not want to miss the trip
• Airport vans in Thailand carrying group after group

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 Tour Companies and Tour Buses

1. Sick travellers keep travelling: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: guides ask about symptoms daily and follow a doctor-referral procedure. Owner: tour manager
2. Buses not disinfected between groups: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe seats and rails and fog between groups. Owner: fleet manager
3. Shared microphones: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe mics and use replaceable foam covers. Owner: guide
4. No masks or sanitiser on board: likelihood medium / impact low / level low. Mitigation: stock masks and sanitiser in every vehicle. Owner: tour company
5. Closed airport vans in Thailand not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ozone-treat vans on a schedule. Owner: fleet manager

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk on Overseas Tours

1. Advise travellers to vaccinate two weeks before departure
2. Hand out masks and sanitiser from the airport
3. Guides check symptoms every morning
4. Have a doctor-referral procedure and travel insurance
5. Wipe bus seats and rails between groups
6. Wipe microphones daily
7. Fog and ozone-treat vans between groups

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: When did Japan's 2026 flu season start? A: Japan's health ministry declared it on 28 August 2026, the second-earliest start since 1999.

Q: Should I get vaccinated before visiting Japan? A: Consult a doctor. The vaccine takes about two weeks to build immunity, so get it before travelling.

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 tour companies 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 Japan shows flu season can arrive before winter. Tour companies that care for travellers and vehicles keep trips safe and reviews positive. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for tour buses, offices and service counters, and the ozone treatment service for airport vans and closed tour buses. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268