The True Story: Medicine Cannot Keep Up with Patients

The Korea Times reported on 5 November 2025 that KDCA recorded 13.6 influenza-like illness cases per 1,000 outpatients in week 43, above the 9.1 epidemic threshold and nearly 3.5 times the same period of 2024, highest among ages 7–12 at 31.6, with H3N2 dominant. Hong Jeong-ik, KDCA's infectious disease bureau chief, said the outbreak began nearly two months earlier than the year before.

The report said pharmacy shortages began in September and October: in the last week of October pharmacies requested 139 Tamiflu orders but wholesalers shipped only 47, and for a children's suspension 261 were requested but only 52 filled.

The Key Lesson: Pharmacists Stand Just a Counter Away from Coughing Customers

Thai pharmacies are the first stop for feverish, coughing people before they see a doctor. Points to watch are:

• Counters where pharmacists take histories up close
• Small shops with AC and no ventilation
• Several customers waiting at once
• Card machines and baskets everyone touches
• Antiviral stock that may run out at peak

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 Pharmacies

1. Pharmacists close to coughing customers: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clear screens and masks. Owner: duty pharmacist
2. Crowded shop: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: limit customers inside. Owner: owner
3. Shared card machines and baskets: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: wipe in rounds and encourage QR payment. Owner: shop staff
4. Antivirals run out at peak: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: plan stock ahead and refer to doctors. Owner: owner
5. Shop not disinfected in outbreaks: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat after closing. Owner: owner

Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Pharmacies

1. Install a clear screen at the counter
2. Give masks to coughing customers
3. Limit customers inside
4. Encourage QR payment
5. Plan medicine stock before the peak
6. Refer severe cases to a doctor
7. Fog and ozone-treat the shop 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 did Korea's flu rise? A: 13.6 per 1,000 outpatients in week 43 of 2025, nearly 3.5 times the year before.

Q: How bad was Korea's medicine shortage? A: Pharmacies ordered 139 Tamiflu but received 47, and 261 children's suspension orders yielded 52.

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 pharmacies 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 Korea shows pharmacies are the first line when flu arrives early. Shops that protect pharmacists and customers are ones communities rely on. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for sales floors, counters and medicine stores, and the ozone treatment service for shop floors and consultation rooms after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.

Call 065-556-6294 | LINE: @whd268