The True Story: Festive Gatherings Meet Flu Season

Euronews reported on 13 January 2026, citing Portugal's Directorate-General of Health (DGS), that there were 1,340 flu cases in the first week of January 2026 and more than 1,700 excess deaths between Christmas and early January.

Portugal had given over 2.5 million flu vaccines, with 86.98% of over-85s and 74.47% of over-65s vaccinated. Across Europe the ECDC recommended vaccination, antivirals and masks in healthcare and long-term care settings.

The Key Lesson: Festive Parties Carry the Virus Between Families and Companies

Thai hotel ballrooms, restaurants and halls host company New Year parties and weddings night after night. Points to watch are:

• Closed air-conditioned ballrooms with hundreds for hours
• Buffets and shared serving spoons everyone handles
• Stage microphones passed around all night
• Older relatives at family events at high risk
• Back-to-back events with no time to clean

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 Banquet Halls and New Year Parties

1. Back-to-back events with no cleaning time: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: gaps between events and fog the room. Owner: banquet manager
2. Shared buffet spoons: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change spoons often or have staff serve. Owner: head chef
3. Microphones not wiped: likelihood high / impact low / level medium. Mitigation: wipe after each speaker and use foam covers. Owner: AV team
4. Closed air-conditioned rooms: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: ventilate before events and ozone-treat after. Owner: engineering
5. Service staff fall ill in high season: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: encourage vaccination and arrange backups. Owner: HR manager

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk at New Year Parties

1. Provide hand sanitiser at entrances and buffets
2. Change serving spoons often during events
3. Wipe microphones after each speaker
4. Seat older guests away from crowded spots
5. Vaccinate service staff before the festive season
6. Leave gaps between events for cleaning
7. Fog and ozone-treat ballrooms after events

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 excess deaths did Portugal have over the holidays? A: More than 1,700 from Christmas to early January 2026, according to Euronews.

Q: When can a ballroom be used after fogging? A: Usually about 30 minutes after fogging, so it fits between events.

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 hotels or event organisers 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 Portugal shows festive periods are risky. Prepared banquet halls keep New Year parties fun without the illness afterwards. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for ballrooms, lobbies and restrooms, and the ozone treatment service for ballrooms and meeting rooms after events. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268