World News: Alberta, Canada, Records 193 Flu Deaths, the Most Since 2009, While Only 21% Get Vaccinated. Lessons for Fitness Centres and Gyms
Last updated: 9 Nov 2026 | 6 Views |
World News: Alberta, Canada, Records 193 Flu Deaths, the Most Since 2009, While Only 21% Get Vaccinated. Lessons for Fitness Centres and Gyms
From Canada: CBC reported Alberta recorded 193 flu deaths in one season, the most since 2009, while only 21% of people were vaccinated, the lowest in over a decade. Thai fitness centres and gyms, where members share equipment and breathe hard in closed rooms, should prepare.
The True Story: The Most Deaths in 16 Years
CBC News reported that Alberta recorded 193 flu deaths that season, more than 175 the year before and the highest since at least 2009, with 172 people in hospital with influenza and nine in intensive care at the time.
The report said only 21% of Albertans had a flu shot, the lowest since 2009–10. Professor Craig Jenne of the University of Calgary warned the trend may become the new normal, and Dr Shelley Duggan, president of the Alberta Medical Association, called for a more aggressive flu campaign.
The Key Lesson: Hard Breathing in Closed Rooms, Equipment Passed Hand to Hand
Thai fitness centres and gyms have members rotating all day, especially after work. Points to watch are:
- Dumbbells and machine handles members share
- Group classes in closed AC rooms
- Locker rooms and saunas that are humid
- Gym yoga mats used by everyone
- Sick members still coming to work out
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 Fitness Centres and Gyms
- Equipment not wiped after use: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: spray and towels in every zone, members wipe after use. Owner: branch manager
- Group classes in closed rooms: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: cap numbers and air rooms between classes. Owner: class manager
- Humid locker rooms: likelihood high / impact medium / level high. Mitigation: clean every 2 hours at peak. Owner: housekeeper
- Sick members work out: likelihood medium / impact high / level high. Mitigation: ask members with fever to stay home and extend memberships. Owner: member services
- Gym not deep-cleaned: likelihood medium / impact medium / level medium. Mitigation: fog and ozone-treat class and locker rooms after closing. Owner: owner
Ways to Reduce Flu Risk in Gyms
- Place spray and towels in every zone
- Have members wipe equipment after use
- Air rooms between classes
- Clean locker rooms every 2 hours
- Extend memberships so sick members stay home
- Encourage personal mats
- Fog and ozone-treat class and locker 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 many flu deaths did Alberta record? A: 193, the highest since at least 2009, per CBC.
Q: What was Alberta's vaccination rate? A: Only 21%, the lowest since 2009–10.
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 gyms 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
Prevent Flu with Disinfection Fogging and Ozone Treatment
The real news from Canada shows fewer vaccinations mean more flu deaths. Clean gyms let members look after their health with confidence. Reduce the risk with the World Health Disinfection disinfection service for weights areas, class rooms and locker rooms, and the ozone treatment service for class and locker rooms after closing. To book, call 065-556-6294 or LINE @whd268.
Keywords: Canada flu, Alberta, flu vaccine, fitness centre, gym, gym disinfection, locker room ozone treatment
