The True Story: Pharmacies on the Front Line of Flu Season

Euronews reported on 13 January 2026 that France entered a flu epidemic in late December 2025. People over 65 were most affected, and about 11.4 million people were vaccinated in 2025, up 15.6%.

Pharmacies sold over 10.3 million flu vaccines between 14 October and 30 November, about 17% more than in 2024, while a doctors' strike added pressure on the health system.

The Key Lesson: Sick People Go to the Pharmacy Before the Doctor

Thai pharmacies see customers with fever, cough and sore throat every day. Points to watch are:

• Dispensing counters where pharmacists talk closely with sick people
• Coughing customers without masks in small shops
• Card machines and pens everyone touches
• Vaccination or consultation rooms that are closed
• Staff falling ill one after another at peak

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 Pharmacies

1. Coughing customers stand close to pharmacists: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clear screens and masks at the door. Owner: pharmacist on duty
2. Pharmacists not vaccinated: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: vaccinate all staff before the season. Owner: owner
3. Card machines and counters not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe hourly and accept QR payment. Owner: sales staff
4. Closed consultation rooms: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ventilate and ozone-treat after closing. Owner: owner
5. No backup when pharmacists fall ill: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: keep a list of backup pharmacists. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Pharmacies

1. Hand out masks at the door
2. Install clear screens at counters
3. Vaccinate all staff
4. Wipe counters and card machines hourly
5. Accept QR payment to reduce contact
6. Ventilate consultation rooms
7. Fog and ozone-treat the shop 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: How many flu vaccines did France give? A: About 11.4 million people were vaccinated in 2025, and pharmacies sold over 10.3 million doses between 14 Oct and 30 Nov.

Q: What should pharmacies do for very sick customers? A: Advise seeing a doctor at once for breathing difficulty, persistent high fever, or high-risk groups.

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 pharmacies 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 France shows pharmacies are the front line of flu season. Pharmacies that protect staff and customers stay open when people need them most. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for sales floors and dispensing counters, and the ozone treatment service for consultation and vaccination rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268