The True Story: More Than Half of Samples Were Flu

NU Online reported on 1 October 2026 that Indonesian Health Minister Budi Gunadi Sadikin said sentinel flu positivity in week 38 of 2026 was 56%, or 148 of 265 specimens, with influenza A(H1N1pdm09) dominant, describing the situation as medium and in line with the seasonal pattern.

The minister said most patients recover with supportive care without hospitalisation, and warned that oseltamivir should be used only for severe cases or patients with comorbidities, to prevent resistance.

The Key Lesson: Malls Are Where the Whole City Walks Together

Thai shopping malls have tens of thousands of shoppers, shop staff and contractors a day. Points to watch are:

• Escalator handrails and lift buttons
• Food courts where tables turn over every few minutes
• Mall toilets on holidays
• ATMs and self-checkout kiosks
• Shop staff rest rooms that are crowded

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 Shopping Malls

1. Escalator handrails and lift buttons: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe hourly at busy times. Owner: housekeeping
2. Food court tables not wiped: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe every time a table empties. Owner: food court manager
3. Toilets crowded on holidays: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clean every 30 minutes at peak. Owner: housekeeping
4. Sick shop staff: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: guide tenants to send sick staff home. Owner: tenant management
5. Staff rest rooms not disinfected: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat staff rooms after closing. Owner: facilities

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Shopping Malls

1. Wipe escalator handrails hourly
2. Place hand gel at entrances and food courts
3. Wipe food court tables every turnover
4. Clean toilets every 30 minutes at peak
5. Guide tenants on sick staff
6. Check ventilation
7. Fog and ozone-treat staff 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 Indonesia find? A: 56% positivity (148 of 265 specimens) in week 38 of 2026, led by H1N1.

Q: Why did the minister warn about antivirals? A: To prevent resistance; oseltamivir should be reserved for severe or comorbid cases, as directed by doctors.

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 malls 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 Indonesia shows flu keeps circulating in big cities. Clean malls are the ones shoppers choose. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for food courts, toilets and walkways, and the ozone treatment service for staff rest rooms and mall offices. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268