The True Story: Nearly a Third of Samples Were Flu

South African newspaper The Citizen reported on 5 June 2026 that the National Institute for Communicable Diseases (NICD) detected influenza in 31.4% of samples from 18 to 24 May, or 489 cases from 3,031 samples.

Dr Marlin McKay, a South African doctor, said antivirals should start within the first 24 hours of symptoms for best effect, and warned people against self-medicating, urging them to see a doctor for a correct diagnosis.

The Key Lesson: The Factory Health Room Is Where Sick Workers Walk In First

Thai factories have hundreds to thousands of workers on production lines, so health rooms must screen quickly. Points to watch are:

• Workers self-medicating then returning to the line
• Rest beds in the health room used all shift
• Workers avoiding sick leave to keep attendance bonuses
• Staff buses with crowded seats
• Canteens packed at lunch

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 Factory Health Rooms

1. Feverish workers self-medicate and keep working: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: health room screens and refers to a doctor quickly. Owner: occupational health nurse
2. Rest bed linen not changed: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: change linen and wipe beds after fever patients. Owner: nursing assistant
3. Attendance bonus discourages sick leave: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: review policy to allow flu sick leave. Owner: HR
4. Crowded staff buses: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: masks on buses during outbreaks. Owner: admin
5. Health room not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat the health room regularly. Owner: safety manager

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk for Factory Health Rooms

1. Screen for fever before shifts
2. Refer workers to a doctor early
3. Do not dispense medicine without assessment
4. Review sick leave policy so feverish workers can stay home
5. Run on-site vaccination before the season
6. Change rest bed linen after fever patients
7. Fog and ozone-treat health rooms and canteens

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 much flu did NICD detect? A: 31.4% of samples from 18 to 24 May 2026, or 489 cases from 3,031 samples.

Q: Why not self-medicate? A: South African doctors warned antivirals should start early on a doctor's diagnosis; self-medicating can miss proper treatment.

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 factories get a tax invoice with withholding tax? 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 South Africa shows early treatment matters. Factory health rooms that screen well help workers recover fast and keep lines running. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for health rooms, canteens and locker rooms, and the ozone treatment service for health rooms and staff rest rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268