The True Story: The Season Began in September

Northeastern Global News reported on 3 November 2026 that the US flu season began in September, several weeks earlier than expected. CDC estimates cases are rising in 44 states, and experts are watching the G155E mutation in an H1N1 strain, though it is too soon to confirm it as the cause.

Neil Maniar, director of Northeastern's public health master's programme, said it is likely to be a tough flu season and now is a good time to get vaccinated, while the Illinois Department of Public Health used Halloween-themed social media posts to promote vaccines during the festive season.

The Key Lesson: Festivals Bring Tens of Thousands Together

Loy Krathong, temple fairs and merit-making events gather people from everywhere. Points to watch are:

• Temple halls and alms kitchens where people sit packed
• Temporary event toilets in heavy use
• Alms kitchen utensils that may not be washed in time
• Older people making merit at high risk
• Game stalls and shops where everyone handles items

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 Temples and Festivals

1. Older people packed in closed halls: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: open doors and windows and space seating. Owner: temple committee
2. Temporary toilets not cleaned on a schedule: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clean several times and provide soap. Owner: volunteers
3. Alms kitchen utensils poorly washed: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: use disposables or three-step washing. Owner: kitchen lead
4. No handwashing points: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: handwashing and sanitiser at every entrance. Owner: organising committee
5. Halls not disinfected after events: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat halls after events. Owner: temple committee

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk at Temple Fairs and Festivals

1. Set up handwashing points at every entrance
2. Give masks to anyone coughing
3. Ventilate temple halls
4. Use disposable utensils in alms kitchens
5. Clean toilets several times a day
6. Advise older people to vaccinate before festivals
7. Fog and ozone-treat halls after the event

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: What is G155E? A: A mutation in H1N1 that US experts are watching, though it is too soon to confirm it caused the early season.

Q: What should festivals prepare? A: Handwashing points, masks, ventilation, and scheduled cleaning of toilets and utensils.

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 temples or event committees 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 seasons are arriving earlier. Prepared temples and festivals let everyone make merit and enjoy events safely. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for temple grounds, alms kitchens and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for temple halls and closed buildings. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268