The True Story: A First Death a Month Earlier Than Last Year

On 4 November 2026, Sacramento County Public Health (SCPH) in California reported the first flu death of the 2026–27 season, a woman in her 50s with chronic medical conditions who had not been vaccinated against flu. She developed respiratory symptoms in mid-October, was hospitalised a few days later and died shortly after.

The death came about a month earlier than last season's first flu death. Dr Phuong Luu, the county's public health officer, called it a stark reminder that flu can cause serious illness and death, and that vaccination remains the best defence, urging everyone aged 6 months and older to get vaccinated now, as protection takes about two weeks.

The Key Lesson: Stylists and Clients Stay Close for Hours

Thai hair salons, nail bars and beauty salons see many clients a day. Points to watch are:

• Stylists close to clients' faces throughout a cut or makeup
• Capes and towels reused for several clients
• Wash basins and neck rests clients' heads touch
• Combs, brushes and tools used on everyone
• Closed air-conditioned rooms with several clients waiting

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 Hair and Beauty Salons

1. Sick stylists keep serving clients: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: stylists with fever stay home and mask when coughing. Owner: salon owner
2. Capes and towels reused: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change for every client and wash hot. Owner: stylist
3. Combs and brushes not disinfected: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wash and soak between clients. Owner: stylist
4. Wash basins and neck rests not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe after every client. Owner: assistant
5. Salon air-conditioned all day: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ventilate at quiet times and ozone-treat after closing. Owner: salon owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Hair Salons

1. Stylists with fever stay home
2. Wear masks when coughing or sneezing
3. Change capes and towels for every client
4. Disinfect combs and brushes between clients
5. Wipe basins and chairs after every client
6. Encourage vaccination for all stylists
7. Fog and ozone-treat the salon after closing

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: Who was Sacramento's first flu death? A: A woman in her 50s with chronic conditions who had not been vaccinated, who died of influenza A in late October 2026.

Q: Why get vaccinated now? A: Officials said protection takes about two weeks and flu is circulating widely.

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 salons 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 real news from the US shows flu can kill people with chronic conditions. Salons that look after staff and tools protect every client. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for styling areas, wash rooms and waiting areas, and the ozone treatment service for the closed salon after hours. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268