Last updated: 9 Nov 2026 | 7 Views |
Seoul detected flu in its wastewater in late July, before cases clearly rose in late August. It shows the virus spreads in the community before people fall ill, so condominiums where hundreds of families share lifts and facilities should prepare in advance.
On 4 October 2026, the Seoul Institute of Health and Environment said flu season had started early, with cases rising from late August, three weeks earlier than last year, and wastewater monitoring detected the virus in late July, six weeks earlier than last year. The circulating strain was influenza A (H1N1).
The Korea Disease Control and Prevention Agency issued an influenza epidemic advisory on 11 September 2026 and began free vaccination for children, pregnant women and people aged 65 and over on 21 September. Park Jusung, head of the institute, urged vaccination, handwashing and masks.
Condominiums house hundreds of families who share common areas. Points to watch are:
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.
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.
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.
Q: Why does wastewater testing matter? A: Seoul detected the virus in wastewater six weeks before cases rose, showing it spreads in the community before people fall ill.
Q: What should management do when residents fall ill? A: Ask them to wear masks in common areas, wipe lifts more often, and offer ozone treatment of the unit after recovery.
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 condo juristic persons get a tax invoice? A: Yes. Tax invoices are issued and 3% withholding tax is supported. Call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
The true story from Seoul shows the virus arrives before the patients. Condos that prepare from the start of the season protect every family. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for lobbies, lifts, gyms and common areas, and the ozone treatment service for units and co-working rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Keywords: Korea flu 2026, flu H1N1, condo flu, condominium management, condo disinfection, room ozone treatment