The True Story: Nearly a Million Cases in One Year

Argentine newspaper Perfil reported that in 2026 Argentina had recorded 992,803 influenza-like illness (ILI) cases, the highest in ten years, with 71,082 cases in week 37 alone.

The report said this year's season began about three weeks earlier than usual, forcing the health system to respond ahead of time. Health authorities urged at-risk groups to get vaccinated and seek care for severe symptoms.

The Key Lesson: Tongs and Ladles Touched by Hundreds of Customers

Thai buffets, from moo kata and shabu to hotel buffets, have many customers sharing utensils. Points to watch are:

• Tongs and ladles passed hand to hand
• Open food lines where customers talk over food
• Tables turning over every ninety minutes
• Sick staff still refilling food
• Restaurant toilets at peak hours

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 Buffet Restaurants

1. Tongs shared all session: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change tongs every 30 minutes and place hand gel at the line. Owner: food line lead
2. Customers talk over food: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: install sneeze guards at the food line. Owner: restaurant manager
3. Tables not wiped between sittings: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe tables and chairs with disinfectant every sitting. Owner: waiting staff
4. Sick staff keep working: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: stay off work with fever. Owner: restaurant manager
5. Restaurant not disinfected after closing: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat the whole restaurant regularly. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Buffet Restaurants

1. Change tongs and ladles every 30 minutes
2. Install sneeze guards at the food line
3. Place hand gel at the start of the line
4. Wipe tables between customers
5. Keep sick staff home when feverish
6. Clean toilets hourly at peak times
7. Fog and ozone-treat 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-like cases did Argentina have? A: 992,803 in 2026, the highest in ten years, with 71,082 in week 37 alone.

Q: Can flu spread through food? A: WHO says flu spreads mainly through droplets and touching contaminated surfaces then the face, so shared utensils are the risk point.

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 restaurants 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 Argentina shows flu seasons can arrive early. Buffets that prepare ahead are the ones customers come back to. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for dining areas, food lines and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for private dining rooms and staff rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268