The True Story: Up Almost a Third in Two Weeks

The Star, citing the Philippine Daily Inquirer, reported on 4 November 2026 that the Philippine Department of Health (DOH) recorded 15,042 influenza-like illness cases from 1 to 14 October, up from 11,517, a 31% rise in two weeks.

The DOH said 17 provinces and highly urbanised cities in 10 regions were flagged for local increases, with Metro Manila having the most flagged areas. The case fatality rate stayed at 0.06%, and the DOH advised people with respiratory symptoms to wear masks and keep good hygiene.

The Key Lesson: Staff Talking All Day in Closed AC Rooms

Thai call centres and customer service centres have hundreds of staff seated in rows working shifts. Points to watch are:

• Headsets and microphones passed between shifts
• Keyboards and mice that are not personal
• Rows of seats in closed AC rooms
• Sick staff not wanting to lose commission
• Shared rest rooms and lockers

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 Call Centres and Customer Service Centres

1. Headsets shared across shifts: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: personal headsets or single-use foam covers. Owner: team leader
2. Shared keyboards and mice: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe at every shift change. Owner: team leader
3. Seats close together: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: leave alternate seats empty in outbreaks. Owner: centre manager
4. Sick staff keep working: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: allow remote work with symptoms. Owner: HR
5. Centre not disinfected in outbreaks: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat work areas in rounds. Owner: building manager

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Call Centres

1. Give personal headsets or single-use covers
2. Wipe keyboards and mice every shift change
3. Leave alternate seats empty in outbreaks
4. Allow remote work with symptoms
5. Place hand gel on every row
6. Vaccinate staff
7. Fog and ozone-treat work areas in rounds

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 did Philippine flu-like illness rise? A: 15,042 cases from 1 to 14 October 2026, up 31% from 11,517.

Q: What did the DOH advise? A: People with respiratory symptoms should wear masks, and everyone should keep good hygiene.

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 companies get a tax invoice with 3% withholding? 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 the Philippines shows flu can rise fast in big cities. Call centres that look after staff keep serving customers without disruption. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for work floors, rest rooms and toilets, and the ozone treatment service for meeting and training rooms. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268