The True Story: Over-75s in the ICU

The Sentinel (Assam) reported in March 2023 that Delhi recorded a rise in ICU admissions from H3N2 influenza, with most patients over 75, many with underlying conditions.

Dr G.C. Khilnani, a pulmonologist, said older people and those with conditions were at risk of severe illness, and advised following Indian Council of Medical Research (ICMR) guidance such as handwashing, masks and avoiding unnecessary self-prescribed antibiotics.

The Key Lesson: Carers Who Visit Many Homes Can Carry Flu Without Knowing

Thai home-visit nurses and care assistants look after the most fragile bedridden patients. Points to watch are:

• Carers visiting several homes a day
• Medical equipment carried between homes
• Bedridden patients unable to clear phlegm
• Patient rooms with AC and poor airflow
• Visiting relatives at festival times

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 Home-Care Nursing Services

1. Sick carers still visit: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: vaccinate and skip visits with fever. Owner: head nurse
2. Equipment carried between homes: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe equipment before leaving each home. Owner: home-visit nurse
3. No handwashing between homes: likelihood high / impact high / level critical. Mitigation: carry alcohol gel and clean hands before touching patients. Owner: home-visit nurse
4. Sick relatives visit: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: ask relatives to wear masks or postpone. Owner: patient's family
5. Patient room not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat the room when someone at home is ill. Owner: patient's family

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk for Home-Care Services

1. Vaccinate every carer
2. Clean hands before and after every patient
3. Wipe equipment before leaving each home
4. Wear masks while caring
5. Skip visits when the carer has fever
6. Ask sick relatives to postpone visits
7. Fog and ozone-treat patient rooms periodically

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: Who were the H3N2 ICU patients in Delhi? A: Mostly people over 75, many with underlying conditions.

Q: Can a bedridden patient's room be ozone-treated? A: The patient must be moved out during treatment and the room aired before they return.

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 home-care companies 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 India shows older people are hit hardest by flu. Carers who protect themselves are the best gift for patients at home. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for bedridden patients' homes and shared living areas, and the ozone treatment service for patient rooms (patient moved out during treatment). To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268