The True Story: Brussels Hit Hardest

Euronews reported on 13 January 2026, citing the public health institute Sciensano, that GP visits for flu-like symptoms in Belgium rose to 194 per 100,000 inhabitants in the first week of 2026, with Brussels the most affected region, followed by Wallonia and Flanders.

The report said more than 1.9 million flu vaccines were given between September and mid-December 2025, 103,000 more than the year before, while preliminary ECDC data put vaccine effectiveness against H3N2 at 52–57%.

The Key Lesson: Dentists Work Just Centimetres from Patients' Mouths

Thai dental clinics see patients all day, and much of the work creates aerosols. Points to watch are:

• Drills and scalers that create aerosols
• Air-conditioned treatment rooms used all day
• Feverish patients not wanting to reschedule
• Waiting seats in small clinics
• Dental assistants setting up several rooms

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 Dental Clinics

1. Feverish patients come for treatment: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: screen for fever and reschedule non-urgent work. Owner: receptionist
2. Aerosols from drills: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: high-volume suction and suitable masks. Owner: dentist
3. Dental unit not wiped between patients: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: wipe touch surfaces after every patient. Owner: dental assistant
4. Cramped waiting area: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: space appointments and mask coughing patients. Owner: clinic manager
5. Treatment rooms not disinfected at day's end: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat after closing. Owner: clinic owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Dental Clinics

1. Screen for fever before treatment
2. Reschedule non-urgent work for feverish patients
3. Use high-volume suction to cut aerosols
4. Wear protective equipment to dental standards
5. Wipe dental units after every patient
6. Vaccinate dentists and assistants
7. Fog and ozone-treat treatment rooms 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 much flu did Belgium have? A: 194 GP visits per 100,000 for flu-like illness in the first week of 2026, worst in Brussels.

Q: How soon can a treatment room be used after fogging? A: ULV-fogged rooms can be used about 30 minutes later; ozone treatment needs an empty room and airing first.

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 clinics 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 Belgium shows flu hits big cities hard. Dental clinics that prevent spread keep both team and patients safe. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for waiting rooms, counters and treatment rooms, and the ozone treatment service for treatment rooms after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268